Community Futures Program Success Stories

Leak Proof Plumbing started in 2015 when Adam participated in the Ontario Self Employment Benefit program (delivered through Community Futures) that offered business plan development training, counselling and support to new businesses.

Empty storefronts and boarded up businesses have long been a blight for many rural towns hit by declines in traditional industries and dwindling numbers of young families. Rebuilding and revitalizing Main Streets has been a slow and steady labour in many places, with progress measured in years, as new enterprises take root and people make their way back downtown.

The word pivot has become embedded in the lexicon of most successful entrepreneurs. It means making a decisive turn in direction when faced with temporary or permanent impediments to moving forward towards your goals.

Katie Heath co-founded Crimson Cider in an 1850’s stone farmhouse on a picturesque 24-acre rural lot in Prince Edward County, Ontario, where she planted an apple orchard. It was shortly after the female entrepreneur had finished building a new production facility for her craft cider company that the pandemic struck.

Peterborough’s history of being the ‘Electric City’ has been ignited once again as Community Futures Peterborough introduced its new client, ARC Motor Company, to the community and national media today.

Barbacoa Boyz, their Caribbean catering business, specializes in Caribbean, Mexican and Canadian fusion food, featuring high quality, fresh ingredients. Jame is a highly skilled chef and has worked in the food industry for 25+ years, mostly in Toronto and the GTA. He and Christina first started Barbacoa Boyz Catering in 2018, working out of their basement catering kitchen in the Durham Region, saving costs and efficiencies throughout the pandemic.

CFDC helped stabilize Karberry Farm during lockdown and now founder, Kauth knows CFDC has the programs and advice to help businesses reach their potential, whether they are a year old or a decade old.