Small businesses and entrepreneurs add a uniqueness to the fabric of our business communities.
Over half of the businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas are owner operated, with a wide range of offerings – from finance to food businesses, from manufacturing to the arts, from healthcare to agriculture and everything in-between.
Startup Community
- Peterborough is a designated Startup Community through the Startup Canada Communities Network.
- Home to a number of award winning innovative startups.
- Peterborough has the highest rate of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada. 36% of New Canadians in our region own and operate a business.
Find Support to Succeed
- Our region has a robust support network for entrepreneurs with a number of Community Partners who offer a range of support including funding, mentorship, networking, training, and incubator space.
- A welcoming region that strives to see small businesses succeed
Entrepreneurial-Minded Educational Institutions
Peterborough & the Kawarthas is educating the next generation of business owners. At our post-secondary institutions students are learning, analyzing, and finding 21st century solutions across a variety of sectors.
- Trent University’s School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a number of specializations including Entrepreneurship
- Trent University also recently launched a Postgraduate Certificate Program in Marketing & Entrepreneurship which takes undergrads through an intensive 8 month program
- Fleming College has graduates in a number of disciplines, including skilled trades who pursue entrepreneurial career paths
Quick Links

Hillary Manion
Entrepreneurship Officer:
Business Advisory Centre
Cell: 705-875-5724