A new wave of entrepreneurial talent is being celebrated across the Peterborough region as 20 businesses have been selected for the highly competitive 2025 Starter Company Plus program, run by the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough.
Chosen from more than 70 applicants, the selected businesses reflect a diverse cross-section of innovation and local enterprise—from wellness and fitness ventures to creative studios and even a travelling museum.
“This is truly a life-changing program,” said Rosalea Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. “The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen. We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”
Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Starter Company Plus program provides mentorship, business training, and access to grant funding of up to $5,000 per participant. In total, $89,000 will be distributed to help launch and grow small businesses across the city and county.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”
Among this year’s cohort are ventures such as Groovy Little Smoothie Co., The Willow Studio, and the National Touring Museum. The businesses span a wide range of industries including health and wellness, arts, trades, cannabis, and agriculture.
The City of Peterborough participants are:
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Kara Ainsworth (Groovy Little Smoothie Co.)
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Julie Anastasia McMillan (Stoney Island Studio)
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Angela Demeester (The Willow Studio)
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Jackie Orsetto (Architecture of Wellness)
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Maggie O’Rourke (Wild Woman Ayurveda)
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Millie Kingston (Doody Call)
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Kelly Clark (Home and Well Inc.)
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Kait Howell (Common Thread Films)
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Dennal Leya Miller (Miller Exterior Painting)
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Brianna Burkitt (Burkitt Solutions Co.)
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Alexis Mills (Heeling Souls K9 Training)
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Brent Morrison (Lost Cannabis Company)
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Krista Charette (Layin’ Divots)
From the County of Peterborough, the entrepreneurs include:
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Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez (Transitions – tentative name)
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Jacqueline Lyons (The Forest Hill Lodge)
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Amanda O’Rourke (Belmont Farmstead)
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Karen Kearney (Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa)
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Kristen Offen (Lark and Lemon)
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Brent Morrison (Lost Cannabis Company – also listed under city)
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Timothy Jeffries (National Touring Museum)
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David Lundrigan (Millbrook Fit)
Participants will now begin an intensive training phase to refine business strategies, enhance marketing capabilities, and build a foundation for long-term growth.
“Congratulations to the entrepreneurs of the 2025 Starter Company Plus Program!” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Small businesses are essential to our economy, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and generating jobs. Every small business is backed by an entrepreneur who embodies vision, passion, and purpose—showcasing the best of the Ontario Spirit.”
More information on the program and the Business Advisory Centre is available at www.cfpeterborough.ca.
