Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Green Funding Program For Any Peterborough City/County Business Of Up to $100,000

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) for Earth Day, unveiled its Climate Change and Environment Fund to help any Peterborough County and City businesses reduce their carbon footprint, announced at Charlotte Products Ltd. on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Like many organizations and leaders in the community, we want to be a part of helping fight climate change and encourage green investment in the Peterborough area,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Launching this new lending program is one way we can play a role in supporting existing businesses while also trying to attract new green companies to the region.”

The Climate Change and Environment Fund is open to any business to finance a project to reduce carbon emissions or waste. These projects could consider energy-efficient upgrades (including capital upgrades) to reduce energy bills, renewable energy improvements, or considerations of circular economies, including localizing supply chains or buying reusable bins. Under this fund, CFP will lend money at a prime rate, up to $100,000 per project.

Charlotte Products Ltd. has reduced carbon emissions by investing in the creation of its local manufacturing facilities instead of sourcing from the United States and globally.

“On behalf of the Charlotte Products team, we are honoured to host this exciting launch of the Climate Change and Environment Fund by Community Futures Peterborough,” says Matt Strano, Charlotte Products Ltd. CEO. “Sustainability is a primary concern for numerous businesses in our community,and initiatives like this fund will further bolster and reinforce their ongoing efforts.”

“The climate crisis is bringing a variety of increased financial pressures to our businesses including supply chain disruption and the rising costs of both shipping and natural gas,” said Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director. “The Climate Change and Environment Fund is an opportunity for businesses to invest now in solutions that can help their businesses manage these costs while being a part of the solution. Imagine the possibilities: energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, circular economy initiatives – all aimed at reducing emissions, lowering costs, and enhancing the brand image of our businesses.”

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Community Futures Peterborough To Give $50,000 To Peterborough and County Projects In New Funding Program Launch

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has launched a new funding program called the Community Advancement Program (CAP) to distribute $50,000 to projects driving economic stability, job growth and job creation which was announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

(From left to right) Charlina Westbye, CFP board chair; Devon Girard, CFP executive director; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program provides a maximum of up to $5,000 (non-repayable funding) to each successful applicant for their project. It is open to all businesses, not-for-profits and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough.

“The creation of this program demonstrates the commitment our organization has to advancing our local community forward,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “The distribution of $50,000 in our economy should make a real difference to drive various economic development initiatives.”

CFP seeks projects that boost community business attraction, investment, retention and employment. Applications are being accepted until March 8, when a committee will oversee the applicant process following the deadline.

“The Community Advancement Program will boost economic development in our region by helping businesses, non-profits and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough to invest in their community,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. 

“Community Futures Peterborough, with the support of FedDev Ontario, continues to help our business community reach its full potential,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “The CAP program will help businesses to adapt, innovate, and grow to serve our communities including those in rural Peterborough County.”

The federal government funds the money through FedDev Ontario.

CFP will notify selected applicants in April, according to Girard. Applications are available online at CFP’s website.

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Community Futures Peterborough Introduces New Start-Up With Arc Motor Company

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has introduced its new client, ARC Motor Company in the Peterborough Airport’s Loomex Hangar on Wednesday afternoon.

(From Right to Left) Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business; Tom Chep, COO Arc Motor Company; Warden Bonnie Clark; Sloane Paul, Founder/CEO of Arc Motor Company and MP Michelle Ferreri. A ‘74 Ford Bronco has been converted into an electric vehicle by Arc Motor Company. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The affiliation of the two companies saw CFP help launch ARC with a business loan.

“The passion, drive, and commitment to sustainably innovative technologies are all demonstrated through the leadership team at ARC,” says Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “We are so excited to reveal this company and its commitment to sustainability to the world.”

Based in Peterborough, Ontario, ARC is a green-tech start-up that transforms and upcycles iconic classic cars into modern and powerful electric vehicles. They equip electric vehicles with the latest technology to drive better performance and contribute to a future with net-zero emissions. The company is headed by CEO Sloane Paul — the first woman in North America to establish such a start-up — with her brother Tom Chep as the COO.

“Not only are we grateful to the team at Community Futures Peterborough for providing us with a critical loan, but also for their invaluable expert advice and guidance,” said Paul. “Their mentorship has been instrumental in steering us—as a start-up-along the right path.”

“With the support of Community Futures Peterborough, we are poised to make a meaningful impact on our community's future,” said Chep.

Chep successfully engineered the restoration of the company's first car. A 1974 Ford Bronco into a fully electric vehicle using upcycled lithium-ion batteries.

As a start-up company, qualifying for lending from traditional banks became challenging, until Community Futures Peterborough could step in and provide lending options.

“Small town businesses create very big ideas,” says Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “ARC Motor Company is an example of how great ideas get off the ground with the right supports. Our government works with businesses and the organizations like Community Futures Peterborough that support them, as they find new and innovative ways to contribute to a strong economic future for Ontario and all of Canada.”

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Nine Entrepreneurs Graduate From Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank's ScaleUP Program

Nine entrepreneurs were celebrated as they completed and graduated from the transformative ScaleUP program ran by Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and Scotiabank at the Venture North Building on Thursday afternoon.

The 2023 program was led by Diane Richard, a seasoned industry consultant and a team of regional experts including Savino Human Resource Partners, Holmes-Riseley CPA’s and Tax Advisors and featured a supply chain consultant. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“For the past eight weeks, these ambitious business owners have participated in extensive one-on-one coaching alongside intensive classroom sessions to better equip them with the knowledge and tools to accelerate their business to the next level,” says Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Each graduate is walking away with a customized roadmap to help guide them through the next phase of sustainable growth for their business.”

The program educated area entrepreneurs and gave them the tools to make key decisions about how to grow and expand their businesses in our community according to a press release.

“Scotiabank offers our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the ScaleUP program. The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the tailored advice we deliver to our clients as they look to grow and expand their business,” says Chris Skinner, District Vice President of Ontario Central East. “We are proud to have partnered with Community Futures Peterborough in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the community.”

Graduates of the fall cohort of the program include:

• Robyn Jenkins, Charlea’s Riverside Gardens

• Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts

• Angela Jones, Lakeshore Designs

• RJ Kayser, Flowspa

• Robyn Ivory, Indigenously Infused

• Brett Pritchard, The 3D Shoppe

• Kollene Drummond, Well Grounded

• Matt Anderson, Chemong City Greens

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Service

“The insights I learned through the ScaleUP program have sparked exciting new developments for my business,” said Ivory. “Aligning our goals with tangible practices doesn’t feel so daunting when guided by Diane and the ScaleUP program. Working and learning alongside a powerhouse of entrepreneurs has inspired me, to say the least."

“Through the ScaleUP program, I am now better equipped for the leadership roles and business processes I'll need to build upon to successfully grow and scale my business,” said Anderson “This program has provided me with the confidence and know-how to apply the tools and best practices needed to anticipate the many challenges entrepreneurs face. Having the opportunity to learn from Diane and her years of leadership experience plus being in the room and learning from other Peterborough business owners has been very rewarding.”

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches Program 'ScaleUP' to Aid Growth For Local Businesses

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and Scotiabank have partnered to pilot ‘ScaleUP’, a program designed to help local businesses grow announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

"Business owners in the community have told us they are facing roadblocks when making key decisions about when and how to scale their operations,” says Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Encouraging sustainable employment within our region is central to our mission at Community Futures Peterborough. The ScaleUP 2023 program has been specially designed to address this, offering a custom roadmap that guides entrepreneurs through the complex landscape of sustainable growth.”

The ScaleUP program started in 2022 and aided six local women-led businesses according to a press release. CFP reports that the seats available for area businesses have doubled since partnering with Scotiabank.

“Scotiabank has long been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and we are excited to be part of this initiative in partnership with Community Futures Peterborough,” said Chris Skinner, Scotiabank’s district VP of Ontario Central East. “The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the advice we deliver to our customers through personalized conversations and planning that can position them to grow their business.”

This year’s cohort of entrepreneurs is led by industry consultant Diane Richard and a team of regional experts according to a press release. They will learn in a mix of classroom sessions and one-on-one strategic consultations tailored to their unique growth opportunities.

The cohort will delve into crucial areas such as financial management, supply chain optimization, people management, crisis control, organizational structuring, and creating effective policies as stated by CFP. The program will finish with a tailor-made growth plan for sustainable expansion.

"Seeing the growth and evolution of local businesses is genuinely rewarding. The ScaleUP program aims to drive expansion and equip entrepreneurs with long-term strategies for success,” said Richard. “It's about building thriving businesses, contributing to our local economy and creating employment opportunities.”

Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing owner, expanded to a second location from the 2022 ScaleUP pilot.

“The program has positively influenced the health of my business,” she said. “I'm now more proactive with my staff and contractors and have developed a critical view of my supply chain, leading to open and constructive discussions with suppliers.”

“The ScaleUP program far exceeded my expectations in multiple ways,” said Roxanne McDonald-Brown, owner of Renew Medical Aesthetics and a 2022 ScaleUP graduate. “Diane, our mentor, was a powerhouse of support and knowledge. But it was more than just a learning experience. The bonds I formed with fellow entrepreneurs, who offered mutual support throughout the process, have become one of my favourite aspects of the program. Even post-program, we continue to meet at local restaurants, discussing triumphs and challenges. This sense of community and belonging we've cultivated is unparalleled.”

Applications for the 2023 ScaleUP program are open to businesses located within Peterborough City or County.

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$1.2 Million Announced For 26 Local Businesses To Innovate, Expand & Create Jobs

On Thursday (March 6th) at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough, Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that 26 local businesses will benefit from an investment of nearly $1.2 million from the federal government through the Rural Innovation Initiative of Eastern Ontario (RIIEO).

Seven Peterborough-based manufacturers will receive up to $700,000 through the RIIEO Regional Stream, matched by $1,905,701 in incremental private investment. An additional $450,000 will go towards 19 local businesses operating in the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough under RIIEO’s Local Stream, and be administered by Community Futures Peterborough.

Photo from announcement via Community Futures on Facebook

RIIEO supports local, innovative projects with a goal of supporting the transition and growth of traditional small and medium sized businesses and manufacturers to expand their business growth and adopt advanced, innovative business processes.

Recognizing the vital role rural communities play in the region’s economy, FedDev Ontario collaborates with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Eastern Ontario to support the transition and growth of new and existing businesses into the new rural economy.

Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough speaking at announcement (photo via Community Futures on Facebook)

This RIIEO program investment contributes to an estimated 93 jobs being created and 391 jobs being maintained within the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough.

“This stream of funding has allowed local businesses to think boldly about their future and how to implement innovative measures to grow and protect jobs in the future,” says Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough. “We are thrilled with the quality of exciting projects and innovation taking place in our community.”

“Through smart investments that support our rural innovators and entrepreneurs, we strengthen the local economy and create jobs,” adds Maryam Monsef. “Our government is pleased to work with Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Community Futures Peterborough to ensure our local businesses have the tools they need to develop and reach new markets.”

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