Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is expanding its free Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series this fall in response to the needs of local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Supported by Scotiabank, the fall 2026 series will feature nine one-hour workshops between September 24 and November 26, including expanded sessions on strategic marketing and branding and new sessions on market research, bookkeeping, and online marketing.
All workshops will be held in the Everest Boardroom at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough.
According to CFP, the new and expanded sessions reflect ongoing one-on-one business consultations that have revealed a growing demand for support with idea validation, bookkeeping, branding, marketing, and social media.
Each workshop will combine practical information with guided activities and take-home resources. Participants will receive worksheets and templates along with clearly defined next steps they can apply to their businesses.
The series is intended for entrepreneurs at every stage, including people exploring an early business idea and established small business owners who want to improve their operations and prepare for growth.
CFP is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Community Futures Program. The organization delivers the Ontario government’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program through the Business Advisory Centre, which also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses play a vital role in strengthening Peterborough’s economy and building vibrant communities across our region,” says Peterborough MP Emma Harrison in a media release.
“By equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and expert guidance, these workshops are helping create opportunities, foster new ideas, and ensure businesses have the support they need to thrive here in Peterborough and Peterborough County.”
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith says providing entrepreneurs with practical skills is essential to the region’s long-term economic growth.
“This expanded Entrepreneurship 101 series gives local business owners direct access to the practical tools, mentorship, and foundational training they need to innovate, expand, and showcase the best of the Ontario Spirit right here in Peterborough,” Smith says.
Scotiabank team lead Nolan Frazer says the sessions have been developed in response to demand from the local business community.
“Scotiabank aims to support local businesses grow and succeed and the Entrepreneurship 101 series helps businesses achieve their short- and long-term goals,” Frazer says.
Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 workshop lineup
Registration is free for all workshops, but space is limited and early registration is encouraged.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Market Ready: Test Your Idea and Understand Your Market” with Allison Adam
Thursday, September 24, 12 – 1 p.m.
Have a great business idea? Explore market research strategies and learn how to test it before investing too much time and money. In this workshop, you’ll explore the 4 Rights of validation. You’ll learn strategies to research your market, understand your competition, identify potential customers, gather real feedback, and clearly communicate your idea to others. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998753106346.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Launch Pad: Business Planning and Launch Strategies” with Allison Adam
Thursday, October 1, 12 – 1 p.m.
Looking to start your business but not sure where to begin? Learn how to properly set up and plan for a successful new venture. This workshop will walk you through the key considerations when starting a business and help you build a clear roadmap for moving forward. You’ll explore the basics of business planning, learn how to organize your idea using a Lean Canvas, and start thinking through what makes your business valuable to customers. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998752835536.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Funding Fuel: Explore Funding Pathways” with Braden Clark
Thursday, October 8, 1 – 2 p.m.
Explore funding pathways for your business and understand lending options at Community Futures Peterborough. Discover the tools and strategies to secure the funding your business needs to thrive in this workshop for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn how to navigate the complex world of financing, explore different funding options, and understand what lenders and investors look for. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998754373135.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Money Map: Cash Flow Forecasting” with Braden Clark
Thursday, October 15, 1 – 2 p.m.
Understand how to effectively manage your cash flow for financial stability and growth. In this workshop, entrepreneurs and small business owners will learn how to manage and forecast cash flow to help ensure their businesses remain financially stable and prepared for growth. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998754695098.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Bookkeeping Basics for Your Small Biz” with Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory
Thursday, October 29, 12 – 1 p.m.
Learn bookkeeping basics, understand your numbers, and build simple habits to keep your small business finances organized and on track. This workshop covers the bookkeeping fundamentals every small business owner should know, including how to track income and expenses and better understand the numbers behind a business. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1999686349702.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Marketing Lab: Strategic Marketing” with Rose Terry
Thursday, November 5, 12 – 1 p.m.
Learn how to strategically reach your target audience, keep customers coming back, and select the appropriate marketing channels to help drive sales. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998759236682.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Brand Lab: Craft a Compelling Brand Story” with Rose Terry
Thursday, November 12, 12 – 1 p.m.
Learn how to build a strong, recognizable brand that reflects your business and connects with the right customers. In this workshop, you’ll explore the building blocks of branding, from developing your tone, voice, and visual style to telling a compelling story that brings your business to life. You’ll also explore the role of personal branding and how you can use your personality, experience, and perspective to strengthen your business and build trust with your audience. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998760739176.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Digital Impact: Online Marketing, Holiday Edition” with Rose Terry
Thursday, November 19, 12 – 1 p.m.
Get your small business ready for the holiday season with digital marketing strategies designed to help you plan ahead, reach your customers, and make the most of the busiest time of year. You’ll explore how different digital marketing channels can work together, including email marketing and social media, while learning how to create engaging content, plan seasonal promotions, and build a practical marketing calendar. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998761973869.
Entrepreneurship 101 — “Protect It: Intellectual Property for Small Biz” with Marcelo Sarkis
Thursday, November 26, 12 – 1 p.m.
In this practical workshop, small business owners and entrepreneurs will learn the basics of intellectual property and how to protect their brands, products, content, and innovations. Led by Prima IP intellectual property expert Marcelo Sarkis, the session will simplify complex legal concepts and provide actionable steps tailored to small businesses. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/1998768215538.
