Community Future Peterborough Unveils 20 Entrepreneurs For Its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program
/Community Future Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has unveiled its 20 businesses selected for its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.
The 20 entrepreneurs were gathered at the announcement of the businesses selected for the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
CFP received over 70 applications for this year’s cohort.
“This is truly a life-changing program,” said Rosalea Terry, BAC manager. “The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen. We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”
The Starter Company Plus program helps businesses accelerate their growth with mentorship, training and funding. This provincial government-funded program offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities and up to $5,000 in grant funding after completion.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”
The 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort includes:
City of Peterborough Participants:
Groovy Little Smoothie Co. — Kara Ainsworth
Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services — Julie Anastasia McMillan
The Willow Studio — Angela Demeester
Architecture of Wellness — Jackie Orsetto
Wild Woman Ayurveda — Maggie O'Rourke
Doody Call — Millie Kingston
Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well) — Kelly Clark
Common Thread Films — Kait Howell
Miller Exterior Painting — Dennal Leya Miller
Burkitt Solutions Co — Brianna Burkitt
Heeling Souls K9 Training — Alexis Mills
Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison
Layin' Divots — Krista Charette
County of Peterborough Participants:
Transitions (Tentative Name) — Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez
The Forest Hill Lodge — Jacqueline Lyons
Belmont Farmstead — Amanda O'Rourke
Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa — Karen Kearney
Lark and Lemon — Kristen Offen
Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison
National Touring Museum — Timothy Jeffries
Millbrook Fit — David Lundrigan
