Community Futures Peterborough Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures, offering students in the City and County of Peterborough the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.

photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.

Funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses. 

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy."

Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.

Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands and more.

“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.” 

In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.

“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”

Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn and the potential of the business idea.

Applications can be submitted online.

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