Aspiring and established entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas have the opportunity to turn their business dreams into reality as the Starter Company Plus program makes a return this fall with five weeks of in-person business training. The program, which has been instrumental in supporting local businesses, is currently accepting applications for its fall intake, with the deadline set for September 30th.
Starter Company Plus is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County who are either launching a new business or looking to expand an existing one that has been operating for five years or less. The program offers participants one-on-one consultations with a program facilitator and valuable training sessions conducted by experts to guide entrepreneurs in crafting effective business plans.
The fall intake of the program will be conducted in person at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough, marking the tenth intake since its inception in 2017. Madeleine Hurrell, Manager of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, highlighted the significance of the program in fostering personal connections and idea sharing among participants, emphasizing the value of such interactions in the entrepreneurial journey.
Over the years, the Starter Company Plus program has been a driving force behind the growth of numerous businesses, taking them from early-stage startups to successful retail enterprises. Participants have expanded their teams, product lines, and marketing channels with the program’s support. Additionally, all program participants will benefit from a 6-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the opportunity for a conditional pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough.
Madeleine Hurrell also noted that successful program participants who submit a final business plan and pitch to a panel of judges will have the chance to secure one of six $5,000 microgrants to kickstart or further expand their businesses.
Since its inception in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program, managed by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre, has provided assistance to over 230 local entrepreneurs and supported the growth of more than 186 small businesses. These small businesses have collectively contributed to the creation of over 220 jobs in the local economy.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program can submit their applications online by visiting www.investptbo.ca/starter.
The application deadline for the fall intake is Saturday, September 30th.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
