Business Support and Resources

Whether you're an entrepreneur with a fresh idea, a growing startup, or an established enterprise, Peterborough County is committed to supporting your journey. Our region offers a diverse and vibrant economic landscape, enriched by innovation, collaboration, and community.

Our Economic Development Team will connect you with the tools, services, and networks you need to succeed. From funding opportunities and mentorship programs to regulatory guidance and local partnerships, we aim to make doing business in Peterborough County as accessible and rewarding as possible.

Together, let’s build a thriving, resilient business community—right here in the heart of Ontario.

Support for Small Business

Community Futures Peterborough

Community Futures Peterborough, through its Business Advisory Centre (BAC), offers complimentary services designed to support every stage of your business journey. The BAC focuses on building the capacity of small and medium‑sized businesses to start, grow, scale, and thrive.

Their expert advisors provide:

• Personalized business guidance
• Market research and analysis
• Financial planning support
• Marketing and e‑commerce strategy development
• Access to loans and funding programs

Sector Specific Business Support

Tourism 

Kawarthas Northumberland - Regional Tourism Organization 8

RTO8 supports tourism operators across Kawarthas Northumberland through:

• Industry research and market insights
• Marketing partnerships and promotional opportunities
• Training, workshops, and professional development
• Funding programs for tourism development

TheKawarthas 

The Kawarthas Tourism is a key resource for tourism operators looking to expand their reach and strengthen their connection to the region as a destination, helping to amplify tourism operators' visibility and connects visitors seeking authentic experiences across the region. Supports include:

• Destination marketing and promotional campaigns
• Inclusion in regional tourism directories and visitor guides
• Storytelling, branding, and content partnerships
• Visitor data, insights, and market intelligence

Agriculture and Local Food Business

Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh

Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh promotes local food producers and helps connect consumers, retailers, and restaurants with high‑quality local products. Supports include:

• Marketing and branding opportunities
• Producer directory listings
• Local food promotion campaigns
• Networking and collaboration across the agri‑food sector

Green Circle Food Hub - Kawartha Local Food Wholesale Project

Green Circle provides wholesale distribution support for local food producers, helping farmers and food makers reach new markets. Services include:

• Aggregation and distribution of local food
• Access to wholesale buyers
• Logistics and delivery support
• Strengthening local food supply chains

These resources help agricultural entrepreneurs scale their operations and increase market access.

Manufacturing

Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA) 

The Kawartha Manufacturers Association supports the region’s manufacturing sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and workforce development. KMA provides:

• Networking opportunities and peer‑to‑peer learning
• Industry‑specific training and workforce development initiatives
• Advocacy on issues affecting local manufacturers
• Partnerships that strengthen supply chains and regional competitiveness
• Access to best practices, emerging technologies, and sector insights

Manufacturers across Peterborough County can leverage KMA to build capacity, adopt new technologies, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.