Celebrating the Graduation of Peterborough’s Budding Entrepreneurs

Community Futures Peterborough recently held a graduation ceremony for the 2023 ScaleUP entrepreneurs. The event took place at the Venture North building and marked the completion of the eight-week program for nine ambitious business owners. Throughout the program, the entrepreneurs received personalized coaching and attended intensive classroom sessions to enhance their business knowledge and skills.

Devon Girard, the executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, expressed his pride in the graduates’ achievements. He stated, ‘These business owners have worked hard over the past eight weeks to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to take their businesses to the next level. Today, each graduate leaves with a customized roadmap for sustainable growth.’

The program covered various topics, including leadership and business management. Regional experts shared their insights, discussing different leadership styles and the importance of building a strong team. Participants also learned about hiring practices, supply chain management, financial management, crisis control, and organizational structuring.

One of the program participants, Matt Anderson, the owner of Chemong City Greens, praised the guest speakers for their valuable contributions. He said, ‘We gained insights into different leadership styles and learned how to find the right people to support our business goals. We also explored hiring practices, supply chain management, and other essential aspects of running a successful business.’

Robyn Ivory, the owner of Indigenously Infused, highlighted the program’s practical approach. She said, ‘The program covered everything from business operations to marketing in a hands-on way. It provided me with valuable tools to navigate the complex world of business and sharpened my skills in areas I often overlooked.’

The ScaleUP program not only equips entrepreneurs with essential knowledge but also fosters a supportive community. Ivory emphasized the benefits of working alongside like-minded individuals, saying, ‘I’m thrilled to graduate alongside such inspiring entrepreneurs. It’s an honor to be part of this incredible group.’

Brett Pritchard, co-owner of The 3D Shoppe, expressed his optimism for the future. He said, ‘The ScaleUP program has given us new ideas to continue growing our company. With the high demand for 3D printing, we believe there is significant potential for expansion.’

The program’s impact extends beyond individual businesses. Robyn Jenkins of Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, Tracy Logan of Logan Tree Experts, Angela Jones of Lakeshore Designs, RJ Kayers of Flowspa, Kollene Drummond of Well Grounded, and Jena Trimble of Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Service also graduated from the ScaleUP 2023 program.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of these budding entrepreneurs and highlighted the support available within the Peterborough community. By providing valuable resources and fostering a collaborative environment, Community Futures Peterborough is empowering local businesses to thrive and contribute to the region’s economic growth.