Taste of Syria Comes to Downtown Peterborough With Aleppo Castle Restaurant Grand Opening

Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening downtown on Wednesday morning.

Aleppo Castle owner Amhed El Nime puts the finishing touches on aji (egg and parsley fritter) before presentation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 349 George St. N., the restaurant serves familiar classic Middle Eastern favourites inspired by Aleppo, Syria, such as shawarma, falafel and hummus. Aleppo Castle also serves traditional Syrian cuisine, including batatas faroojh, aji, fatoush and more.

Amhed El Nime, Aleppo Castle owner, arrived in Canada three years ago. He had help adjusting to a new country through the New Canadians Centre and his business was aided through Community Futures Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) samples Amhed El Nime (right) and Aleppo Castle's beef kebab as one of several dishes served for the attendees. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

El Nime said he is grateful to Canada and Peterborough for welcoming him to the country, where he can build a new life and start a business in a short time.

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, I’ve been working hard,” he said. “I’m so happy for the people who helped me. Thank you to god, thank you for everybody and thank you to Canada.”

Mayor Jeff Leal, Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough DBIA attended the grand opening and sampled the Syrian cuisine. It was capped off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##syria🇸🇾 ♬ Síria Syria سوريا - DJ Reverb & Ads

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Community Futures Peterborough Expands Entrepreneurship 101 Series For This Spring 2026 In Partnership with Scotiabank

Community Futures Peterborough has partnered with Scotiabank to deliver its most extensive Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series to date this spring, expanding the program in response to continued demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The Spring 2026 series builds on the success of the fall workshops, which supported more than 120 unique entrepreneurs and small business owners across seven sessions. Launched as a four-part series, Entrepreneurship 101 has rapidly expanded as more businesses across the region turn to Community Futures Peterborough for advisory and lending support. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for additional, more specialized topics, leading to a partnership with Scotiabank to expand the series with two additional brand-new workshops.

“Scotiabank is proud to partner with the amazing team at Community Futures Peterborough to support the expansion of this valuable program supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses getting the advice they need to grow in our local community,” said Nolan Frazer, Scotiabank business banking team lead. “The success of local businesses and business owners is critical to the success of the community, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this to life.”

The new workshops added to the series are in direct response to clients asking for additional support in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Human Resources. Appear First – Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce, delivered by Brendan Quigley, will introduce participants to building an online presence, improving search visibility and online sales, and Employer Essentials – Understanding Your Obligations as an Employer, a session developed to help business owners better understand their responsibilities when hiring staff, delivered by the Office of the Employer Advisor and Service Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting entrepreneurs with access to programs that meet their needs,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Peterborough continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering practical support that helps businesses in the region grow and adapt in a changing economy.”

Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The spring series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as e-commerce, search engine optimization, and employer responsibilities, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking advisory support in.

“Investments in our local entrepreneurs help diversify and grow our economy, making success more inclusive across both the City and County,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By offering practical, expert-led workshops, Community Futures Peterborough is ensuring that every business owner has the confidence to take the next step. Our government is proud to see such dedicated local support for those who represent the best of the Ontario spirit.”

The expansion of Entrepreneurship 101 aligns with broader trends seen through the Business Advisory Centre. Since April, Community Futures Peterborough has supported more than 340 unique businesses through over 440 in-depth, one-on-one consultations. The workshop series complements this work by offering accessible, hands-on learning opportunities that help entrepreneurs build confidence and make informed decisions.

“Entrepreneurs across the riding of Peterborough have been clear that they need practical support to help their businesses grow. This expanded Entrepreneurship 101 series is a direct and thoughtful response to that,” said Emma Harrison, MP, Peterborough. “The strong turnout last fall showed just how committed and resilient our local business community is, and it makes me incredibly proud to see local organizations stepping up to deliver the tools and training that entrepreneurs need to succeed in a changing economy.”

The Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough on the following dates:

• Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas: March 4

• Launch Pad – Business Planning: March 11

• Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding: March 25

• Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing: April 1

• (new for Spring 2026) Appear First - Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce: April 8

• Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee: April 15

• (new for Spring 2026) Employer Essentials – Understand Your Obligations as an Employer: April 22

• Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting: April 29

• Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses: May 6

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration and additional workshop information are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website at www.cfpeterborough.ca

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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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Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Guide to Help Entrepreneurs Hire Their First Employee

In celebration of Small Business Week 2025, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has released a new free resource to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners in hiring their first employee.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

“Small businesses are the economic engine of Peterborough-Kawartha, and the decision to hire a first employee is a critical milestone that fuels our community's growth,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Every single new job created here is an investment in a stronger, more prosperous future for our entire region. I commend Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre for creating this practical resource to give our local entrepreneurs the confidence and tools they need to take that important next step.” 

The ‘Hiring Your First Employee’ guide is designed to help small business owners navigate the complex process of becoming an employer for the first time. It was developed in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre. The guide provides practical, step-by-step insights on topics ranging from understanding employment laws and setting up payroll to writing job descriptions, conducting interviews and onboarding new team members effectively according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“Hiring your first employee is a major milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming,” she said. “This guide simplifies the process by breaking down what business owners need to know, what steps to take, and where to find trusted local resources to make confident, informed decisions.”

Girard says the guide covers key areas such as:

• Understanding Ontario employment standards, human rights, and health and safety laws

• Registering with the CRA and WSIB

• Deciding when and how to hire

• Differentiating between employees and independent contractors

• Best practices for recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding

• Maintaining compliance through workplace policies and documentation

“The comprehensive guide was created to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to onboard their first employee responsibly and sustainably,” said Rose Terry, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications manager. “By helping small business owners with a free resource to support their first hire, we are growing jobs in our community one-by-one and creating a more resilient local economy.”

The Hiring Your First Employee guide is availableon the Community Futures Peterborough website. In addition to this resource, entrepreneurs can also book a free advisory session with CFP to receive personalized support through the hiring process.

A workshop has also been added to CFP’s popular series, E101, supporting employee hiring. The Staff Smart: Hiring Your First Employee workshop will be held in person in December. Those interested in the workshop can register for free or the Community Futures Peterborough website.

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Photos: Community Futures Peterborough Leads Business Owners Through ‘The Modern Entrepreneur Experience'

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and the Business Advisory Centre hosted ‘The Modern Entrepreneur Experience,’ designed to empower local business owners with modern tools, insights, and connections for growth, held at the El(p) on Tuesday morning.

Devon Girard, CFP executive director (far left) addresses the audience after their lunch break at the El(p). All photos by David Tuan Bui.

According to CFP, the event brings together industry leaders, creative strategists, and marketing experts for a half-day of learning, networking, and inspiration, showcasing Peterborough’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

There were several speakers at the event. Jason Fiorotto, a marketing and sales leader for over 25 years, taught attendees how to attract the right customers, convert leads and build long-term growth.

Shelby Leonard-Watt & Mike Watt of Plush, Flavour and SOS spoke about building a personal brand and sharing storytelling insights while exploring how style and brand presence can elevate business success.

Influencer Megan Patterson discussed how to leverage authentic storytelling and influencer strategy to connect with audiences and drive meaningful results.

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Peterborough's Tim Jeffries Brings His Dino Extravaganza Tour Home to St. James United Church On Oct. 25.

Entrepreneur Tim Jeffries is excited to bring his national tour back home to Peterborough as he brings his ‘The World of Dinosaurs’ tour to St. James United Church on Oct. 25.

In 2024, Jeffries held over 50 talks across Canada and this year he expanded his tour to include PEI and Newfoundland in his cross-Canada tour, with more expansion already booked for 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Jeffries will be bringing an extensive collection of real dinosaur bones with him, including T. rex teeth, Triceratops horns, Diplodocus vertebrae, Saurolophus Eggs and more.

The museum’s collection so far houses over 350 dinosaur bones and counting as he is in Alberta for fossil hunting.

“It is important to me to recognize the importance of my community and a great way to do that is to let them have the first look at the dinosaur fossils I find. But also, this lecture will have the most dinosaur bones on display that any other lecture so far,” said Jeffries. “It is important to me to help spark curiosity and inspire wonder and dinosaurs defiantly do that.”

The presentation will cover how dinosaurs ruled the planet, including facts about some of its most well-known species and how some of them survived the asteroid impact. A fully interactive museum presentation that informs, involves, and inspires all attendees.

Jeffries is a recent graduate of Community Future Peterborough’s Starter Company Plus program. He is grateful for what he has learned as he expands his business across Canada.

“This program and its team have been such a game changer for me,” he said. “I am so grateful for the guidance that I am receiving that is helping my company grow to something I couldn’t have even dreamed for myself.”

Tickets are $10 per Adult, $5 per Child or $20 for a Family.

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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.

Sherry Hill and Evan Lyons were appointed to the CFP Board of Directors last month. Hill is the current CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Board Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association and Lyons is the Vice President of Digital, Strategy and Planning & Chief Information Officer at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“This new strategic plan sets the stage for new voices at our Board table,” said Harding. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sherry and Evan, exceptional leaders in our community, who share our vision for driving business growth in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.”

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Community Futures Peterborough Celebrates 2025 Summer Company Program Student Graduates

The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) celebrated the achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs who graduated from the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program at the Venture North Building on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Neha Mervin, 15, Sparks of Bollywood; Bisma Razaque, 17, Shirt Spark; Spencer Toth, 16, Farm Hands and Lauren Connolly, 18, Connolly Swim Academy after reciving their certificates of recognition from MPP Dave Smith. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program lets students aged 15 to 29 take a business idea and bring it to life. Graduates receive $3,000 in grant funding and they have also received expert training and ongoing mentorship from CFP staff during their entrepreneurship. Along the way, these young entrepreneurs gained skills in problem-solving, financial management, customer service, and resilience – skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

“We know our economy — regionally, provincially and nationally — is made on small businesses,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “That is the future we are going in. It is important for all of us to recognize the importance of the idea of entrepreneurship through programs like this and the investment of the province but also to be at the high schools, that they're learning about these career options.”

“The Summer Company Program is igniting fresh ideas and building tomorrow’s businesses right here in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough–Kawartha MPP. “With our government’s support and expert advice from the Community Futures Peterborough team, these young entrepreneurs get the funding, mentorship, and skills they need to hit the ground running—and their success fuels a stronger, more dynamic local economy.”

@ptbo_canada The Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough celebrated the achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs who graduated from the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program.#ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ Suns - Official Sound Studio

The 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs are:

• Spencer Toth, Farm Hands – Cavan-Monaghan

• Neha Mervin, Sparks of Bollywood – Otonabee-South Monaghan

• Haydon Meade, Scrub Window Cleaning – City of Peterborough

• Bisma Razaque, Shirt Spark – City of Peterborough

• Lauren Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy – City of Peterborough

• Teaghan Hartnett, West End Property Care – City of Peterborough

The young entrepreneurs learned how to manage budgets, attract customers, deliver high-quality products and services and adapt to unexpected challenges. This typically is the first time they have been solely responsible for the success of a business.

“Youth entrepreneurship matters because it builds the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators,” said Allison Adam, BAC entrepreneurship officer. “When young people are given the chance to start a business, they learn first-hand how to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and create value in their community. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to continue as entrepreneurs or bring their skills into other careers.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; for young entrepreneurs, it’s about building skills, resilience, and confidence that last a lifetime while giving them the awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Through our first-ever Summer Company Program delivered by Community Futures Peterborough, we’ve watched each student grow in remarkable ways, turning their ideas into fully functioning businesses.”

Whether these young entrepreneurs keep up with their businesses or pursue new ventures, going through the program has developed vital life skills, said Girard.

“I hope one of their key takeaways is that financial literacy is important regardless of whether you're managing a budget for your family or a business,” she explained. “Areas of how you interact with others and how you present yourself through marketing and how you develop a brand and image. Those are all life skills that are critical to any facet of where they decide to grow.”

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Community Futures Peterborough and Launch Limited-Edition SOAR Series For Established Businesses Looking to Expand

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) have launched SOAR, a brand new, cohort program designed for established businesses that are ready to expand or scale their operations.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

“This is a direct response to the gaps we’ve consistently seen in our local businesses while operating the Business Advisory Centre for the past year,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Existing businesses often hit a ceiling without access to tailored, expert support and guidance. We have been offering this in our one-on-one consultations, but the SOAR Series bridges that gap, offering high-impact, cohorted, practical training to help businesses in our region thrive and lead.”

With limited spots available each month, business owners can now apply to be accepted into individual cohorts. Successful applicants will gain access to expert-led workshops tailored to the challenges and opportunities that growing businesses face. The SOAR Series will equip participants with real-world next steps and strategic direction to stay competitive and expand in an evolving market.

The free series begins this September and runs for four months. It will provide successful applicants with access to in-depth, specialized programming delivered by external consultants and CF Peterborough staff according to CFP.

Each month in the Fall this year, SOAR will focus on a critical area of business development identified by the needs of businesses in our community.

“Community Futures continues to demonstrate that the best ways for businesses to succeed is to build relationships and leverage the experience and knowledge of others.  Today’s announcement about the SOAR program is another example of building on that collaborative philosophy as a way to improve the business acumen of many of the entrepreneurs and job creators in our region,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

Businesses may apply for as many months as they feel they require support in:

September – Marketing Mastery and Pitching for Growth

These four sessions will feature interactive workshops led by marketing, branding, and communication experts, including Rosalea Terry, Erika Eileen, and Kyle MacDonald, each bringing unique perspectives and toolkits to help entrepreneurs craft and communicate their story with impact.

October – Business Development and Sales

These sessions will be led by Jason Fiorotto, a highly successful marketing and sales leader with over 25 years of experience working with companies ranging from private equity-backed startups to Fortune 50 global brands. This cohort will focus on building the systems and strategies that drive consistent revenue growth.  Business owners will learn how to identify and qualify leads, strengthen their sales conversations, and close deals with confidence. These sessions will also explore how to build a sustainable business development pipeline that supports long-term growth and scalability.

November – Cross-Border Expansion and E-Commerce

For companies looking to expand into new provinces or sell across international borders, these sessions will help to master the logistics, digital tools, and market entry strategies required for expansive growth. Business owners will also learn how to optimize their e-commerce presence, from choosing the right platforms to navigating shipping, compliance, and customer experience across borders.

December – Selling, Acquiring, and Succession Planning

These sessions will focus on covering the key aspects of transitioning a business, whether through sale, purchase, or succession. Led by business succession planning experts Michael Riseley and Nicole Truman, they will encompass all aspects of a business transition, including valuation, sale, acquisition, and succession. Businesses will learn how to transition in a tax-efficient manner and hear about various transition strategies applicable to a range of diverse businesses.

The SOAR Series is open to businesses located in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, including Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. The sessions will rotate across locations to ensure inclusive access for both urban and rural entrepreneurs.

“This is more than a business program, it’s an economic development catalyst,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “The SOAR Series will empower our existing businesses to grow stronger roots locally while receiving expert, customized advice to help them meet their expansion goals. We are so excited to bring this program to our community and help our businesses soar.”

With a partnership with Scotiabank, the SOAR program is available free of charge to all successful applicants.

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Willow Yoga Studio Launches Adaptive Yoga Program for Children with Special Needs

Willow Yoga Studio has launched a first-of-its-kind adaptive yoga pilot program designed specifically for children with special needs.

Demeester in front of her business at 1600 Lansdowne St. W. The Willow Studio was a 2025 recipient of the Starter Company Plus Program through Community Futures Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Willow Yoga Studio.

The program is in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Angela Demeester, Willow Yoga Studio owner, is a mother to a child with a disability. According to a press release, she recognized a significant gap in programming available to children with diverse needs. Demeester approached FCCC with the program.

“We're excited to announce our partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre to offer Adaptive Yoga classes for children with special needs this summer at Willow,” said Demeeester. “This offering reflects the very heart of our studio—yoga that is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in connection.”

The adaptive yoga program offers studio space for children to connect socially, build friendships, improve physical fitness, and experience calmness. The first session occurred last Wednesday witha second one on Aug. 6. It is open to FCCC clients receiving therapeutic recreation services.

“We are so thrilled to work with Angela on this adaptive yoga program that benefits children of all abilities,” said Caitlin Gilmer, FCCC recreation therapist. “Our role as therapists is to help children experience and enjoy recreational activities, and this adaptive yoga program is one way to break down those barriers.”

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a community, to move their bodies, and to feel included,” said Demeeester. “As both a yoga teacher and a parent of a child with a disability, I understand how meaningful it is to have programs that see and support the whole child.”

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