Community Futures Peterborough has selected 23 local businesses out of nearly 90 applications for its competitive 2026 Starter Company Plus program, according to announcements from the Business Advisory Centre. The provincial government-funded initiative provides entrepreneurs with mentorship, workshops, and up to $5,000 in grant funding upon successful completion.
Selection Process and Cohort Diversity
According to Rosalea Terry, manager of the Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, the 2026 cohort reflects a diverse mix of industries and high-quality applications. Terry stated that the volume of nearly 90 submissions highlighted an exceptional drive to grow among local entrepreneurs.
The selected group spans multiple sectors, featuring enterprises such as Kia Ora Pie Co., PTBO Ballroom, Pneuma Systems Inc., Melange Organics, Fungo Rocker, and Owl Fix It Plumbing. Devon Girard, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, noted that this marks the third year running the program locally.
Program Structure and Financial Support
Participants will complete a six-week in-person cohort program designed to refine business strategies, enhance marketing, and build sustainable growth skills through group workshops and one-on-one advisory sessions. Graduates earn access to up to $5,000 in grant funding, backed by provincial investment from the Government of Ontario.
MPP Dave Smith for Peterborough-Kawartha emphasized that the initiative targets existing business expansion rather than just early-stage concepts. Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark also highlighted the broad representation of skilled trades, food services, manufacturing, and recreation across both the city and county.
Full List of 2026 Participants
The 2026 Starter Company Plus cohort includes the following local business owners:
- City of Peterborough: Lauren Cameron (Kia Ora Pie Co.), Courtney Carter (PTBO Ballroom), Jason Christopher Rose (Pneuma Systems Inc.), Madhu Gahalot (Melange Organics), Rick Johnston (Fungo Rocker), Bee Pratt (Owl Fix It Plumbing), Melinda Szilagyi (My Time Studio), Daniel Taro (PuzPuz Media), Bethany Telford (Lavender Moon), Angie White (B&B Craft Supplies), Holly Wilkinson (Begin with Baby), and Brittany Zarobiak (Birch + Bloom Consignment Boutique).
- Peterborough County: Lisa Cantelon (Studio Eighteen in Selwyn), Carolyn Carr (Serenity Lane Café in Asphodel-Norwood), Dan Ellis (Ferm Farm Brewing & Blending Ltd. in Otonabee-South Monaghan), Riley Gillespie-Friesen (Millbrook Pet Care in Cavan Monaghan), Jennifer and Cullen Groome (Rescue Sector Innovations in Douro-Dummer), David Manning (Cozy Days Travel Mug, Inc. in Trent Lakes), Lois O’Neill Jackson (The Pantry Cupboard in Trent Lakes), Karen Parker (Parker Frames in Otonabee-South Monaghan), Jeannine Thumiah (Quantum Understanding in Otonabee-South Monaghan), and Amanda Willett (The Ritual Cart in Cavan Monaghan).
- Curve Lake First Nation: Melissa Gray (Reliable Home Cleaners).
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