Peterborough Backs 6 Young Entrepreneurs With Up to $3,000 Each After 40 Summer Company Applications
Updated
Updated · kawarthanow.com · May 20
Peterborough Backs 6 Young Entrepreneurs With Up to $3,000 Each After 40 Summer Company Applications
2 articles · Updated · kawarthanow.com · May 20
Six Peterborough-area youth were selected for the 2026 Summer Company program, gaining training, one-on-one mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to launch summer businesses.
40 applications came in this year—nearly double 2025's total—signaling rising demand for startup support among entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29.
The six ventures span car detailing, window cleaning, 3D printing, cottage care, beach volleyball training and swim lessons across Peterborough, Lakefield and Millbrook.
Community Futures Peterborough runs the program through its Business Advisory Centre, pairing provincial Summer Company funding with local business-planning, marketing and financial-management support.
The initiative adds to Community Futures Peterborough's broader role backing small businesses, with federal funding for its core operations and Ontario plus municipal support for the advisory centre.
With larger grants paused, can a $3,000 program truly launch Ontario's next generation of entrepreneurs?
Do these summer businesses create lasting local impact or just temporary learning experiences for students?
Are small, non-repayable grants a better investment in youth startups than larger, repayable business loans?