Community Futures Peterborough Launches Free Workshop Series, Entrepreneurship 101

The Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough are excited to announce a new, free workshop series designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Peterborough County. These workshops aim to take the guesswork out of starting or growing a business while fostering a sense of community among local entrepreneurs.

“Community Futures Peterborough and our Business Advisory Centre are committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “This workshop series is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to learn, connect, and thrive in Peterborough City and County.”

The series will cover a range of essential topics for business success:

• Business Planning and Launching Your Business: Learn how to build a strong foundation for your business and bring your ideas to life.
• Marketing and Branding: Discover effective strategies to promote your business and build a compelling brand.
• Funding Options for Businesses: Explore various funding opportunities and understand how to access them.
• Understanding Cash Flow and Forecasting Finances: Gain insight into managing your finances and planning for sustainable growth.

Additionally, a one-time tax preparation workshop will be offered in March 2025 to help businesses get ready for tax season.

"This series was designed to address the most pressing needs of small business owners, providing practical insights to help them build resilient and innovative businesses," says Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. “It’s important to create a continuous learning journey, fostering growth, and ensuring long-term success for the local business community, which is why we encourage entrepreneurs to attend the entire series.” The Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series is free and open to all entrepreneurs, those exploring entrepreneurship, and small business owners in the region. The series will be held three times annually.

“Government doesn’t create business; it creates the environment to succeed. We are to regulate to the point of integrity but not to interfere,” said Dave Smith Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Anything that can be done then to break down those obstacles that prevent businesses from succeeding are things we should be doing. I applaud Community Futures and the approach they are taking to break down all those barriers.” Added MPP Dave Smith.

The first Entrepreneurship 101 Series for 2025 has been set for the following dates:

• February 5, 2025 - Business Planning
• February 19, 2025 - Marketing and Branding
• March 5, 2025 - Funding and Financing
• March 19, 2025 - Cash Flow Forecasting
• March 26, 2025 - Tax Prep

"Funding is one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face, but also where the greatest opportunities lay," says Braden Clark, Loan Manager at Community Futures Peterborough. “These workshops will demystify the funding process, equipping participants with the tools to secure and manage financing effectively. Understanding cash flow and having a clear financial forecast is essential for long-term success, helping business owners build confidence to make informed decisions and seize opportunities.”

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