Small Business

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

• Business Supports
• Startup Peterborough
• Community Futures