Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Strategic Plan and Announces Two New Board Directors
/Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has unveiled its new strategic plan for 2025–2028 and announced its two new board directors at its annual general meeting at Farmhill Weddings.
Photo courtesy of CFP.
“Our vision is clear: every entrepreneur should feel they can access free, expert advice in their own community and every business should feel they can grow and expand here,” said Wayne Harding, CFP board chair. “Our updated strategic plan ensures we are not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for the future of business in Peterborough and defining our role in how to support them.”
Since 1985, CFP’s mission provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with financing, free advisory services and partnerships to strengthen the local economy. Their new plan outlines four key priorities to ensure businesses have the tools, capital and support they need to succeed:
Increase Awareness of the Business Advisory Centre through targeted outreach and marketing so more entrepreneurs can access expert advice, training, and mentorship.
Expand Access to Flexible and Inclusive Financing Solutions by enhancing loan programs and exploring new funding models to serve diverse business needs.
Enhance and Diversify Services by developing new programs in collaboration with partners to respond to emerging trends and community priorities.
Invest in Organizational Infrastructure by strengthening internal systems, staff capacity, and governance to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Our values are the foundation of our work,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “By continuing to lead with collaboration, inclusivity, and keeping a community-focused approach, we are ensuring every entrepreneur and small business has access to the expert services they need to succeed.”
In 2024, the Province selected Community Futures Peterborough to deliver the region's Small Business Enterprise Centre program (SBEC) – creating one door for businesses and entrepreneurs to access both expert business advisory and planning services, as well as flexible lending options. Delivery of this provincial program provided CFP with the opportunity to reflect on its strategic direction and set a bold vision for its future.
