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Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) marked a milestone this week, celebrating 40 years of supporting entrepreneurs and boosting the local economy. The organization held its Annual General Meeting at Farmhill Weddings in Keene, with business leaders, elected officials, board members, entrepreneurs, and community partners in attendance.
“Forty years of Community Futures Peterborough means 40 years of believing in entrepreneurs, fueling businesses, and strengthening our regional economy,” said Devon Girard, executive director of CFP. “We’ve played a key role in helping thousands of local businesses start, grow, and thrive, and today, we are so proud to honour that legacy.”
Over the 2024-2025 fiscal year, CFP received a record $4.6 million in loan applications and disbursed more than $1.38 million to 26 local companies, helping create or maintain over 330 jobs across Peterborough and the surrounding region. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CFP has invested more than $42 million since 1985 to support over 1,300 businesses and 4,600 jobs.
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and the minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, praised CFP’s impact, saying, “For four decades, Community Futures Peterborough has been a driving force behind rural business growth—supporting bold entrepreneurs, creating local jobs and strengthening the region’s economy. Through FedDev Ontario, the Government of Canada is proud to invest in this legacy of rural leadership and innovation.”
The organization also marked the contributions of founding board members George Gillespie and Doug Armstrong, and paid tribute to its late executive director, Judy Heffernan, with a special video.
Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough—Kawartha, highlighted CFP’s role in the community: “It’s great to see Community Futures Peterborough mark 40 years of dedicated service to our local economy. Their ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering small business growth has been instrumental in creating and maintaining thousands of jobs right here in our community.”
The AGM included a pop-up market featuring local businesses supported by CFP, such as clients from the Starter Company Plus program, and a catered lunch prepared by graduates of the program.
Wayne Harding, Board Chair, emphasized CFP’s future focus: “Celebrating 40 years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the dedication, resilience, and impact of Community Futures Peterborough. We’ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality, and as we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to driving local economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders.”
Local officials also recognized CFP’s lasting impact. Emma Harrison, MP for Peterborough, said the support CFP offers “is essential to the growth of our local economy. The Government of Canada is proud to have funded CFP for the past 40 years.”
City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal called CFP “a foundational asset to our local economy for four decades,” adding, “Thousands of businesses have been able to expand and thrive, providing vital employment and services, and contributing to our community.”
Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County, noted the strong partnership between CFP and the region: “Your organization, board, and staff have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering local economic growth and supporting countless businesses across all of our communities over the years… We look forward to continuing our productive partnership for years to come.”
Since 2024, CFP has also operated the Small Business Enterprise Centre, offering advisory services alongside financing. In its first six months, the Business Advisory Centre held more than 200 consultations, supporting entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
