Six Future Business Leaders Graduate From Community Futures Peterborough's 2026 Summer Company Program

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Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses.

“Small businesses play a vital role in keeping our local communities vibrant and growing, and seeing students step up to launch their own enterprises right here in Peterborough-Kawartha is inspiring,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The Summer Company program equips these future leaders with practical skills, confidence, and real-world experience. I congratulate all six graduates on a successful season and look forward to seeing where their drive takes them next.”

After graduation, the students showcased their businesses before local leaders and community partners.

“Community Futures Peterborough gave me a sense of community and belonging throughout my summer. There is such a wide range of knowledge and expertise from the team; whenever I had any sort of curiosity, I always knew where to find answers,” said Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons owner. “Having a team to back you up through a solopreneurship journey made starting a business feel a lot more manageable.”

This year’s Summer Company graduate students are:

  • Aiden Budd – Dock to Driveway Detailing (Peterborough)

  • Zander Bromley – Clearview (Peterborough)

  • Caleb Galbraith – Joy Collectibles 3D (Lakefield)

  • Emma George-Peters – Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care (Peterborough)

  • Rutger Huntley – Peak Beach Volleyball (Millbrook)

  • Rielle MacDougall – Lake Safe Swim Lessons (Peterborough)

@ptbo_canada Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #entrepreneur ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

The program gave students hands-on experience launching and operating their own businesses while building valuable entrepreneurial, financial, marketing, and leadership skills.

“The Summer Company program allows students to do more than work a summer job. It gives them the opportunity to explore what it takes to be a leader, make decisions, solve problems, and build something of their own,” said Allison Adam, CFP entrepreneurship officer. “These students worked incredibly hard to create their own summer jobs, taking their ideas from concept to operation and learning firsthand what it takes to run a business. They rose to the challenge and excelled, which speaks volumes about both their dedication and the impact this program can have on young people.”

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