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Whether you are starting or growing a business, the City of Peterborough’s Economic Development team is here to support you. We help you navigate local programs, connect you with the right organizations, and share regional data that guides planning. You also gain support with funding opportunities, workforce needs, and access to partners who can help your business move forward.
The City of Peterborough’s local business environment is strong and supportive. If you’re looking for business advice, searching for mentorship or interested in local business training opportunities, local organizations offer all sorts of resources.
Community Futures Peterborough
Community Futures Peterborough is a not-for-profit organization that is supporting local entrepreneurs with financing, training, and advisory services to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.
They also run the Business Advisory Centre, which is Peterborough’s local Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), a Province of Ontario funded program that provides you with free business advisory sessions tailored to your individual business needs.
The Innovation Cluster is a group of trailblazers shaping a bold future for the Peterborough community. This organization is committed to building a vibrant hub for innovation, helping startups thrive, and positioning the region as a Centre of Innovation in Southeastern Ontario and beyond.
Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
The Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is an organization providing business advocacy, networking, and education for its members and the community at large. It acts as a catalyst to enhance business growth and opportunity, innovation, partnerships, and a diverse business community.
Green Economy Peterborough (GreenUp)
Green Economy Peterborough (a program of GreenUP), is a network of local businesses whose members share knowledge, experience, and success implementing sustainability strategies to reduce their energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and waste management. Their efforts and interests are highlighting the benefits of a local transition to a cleaner, greener and more community-based economy.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is a non-profit organization that champions the continuing commercial development of the Peterborough downtown. It partners with businesses and advocates on the business's behalf.
Looking to recruit, train or retain employees? Peterborough businesses can connect with local employment services, post-secondary talent, skilled trades and apprenticeship supports, and labour market information. Job seekers can visit Employment Services for employment supports and services.
Find free local support to post vacancies, match and screen candidates, train new hires and improve retention. Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services connects employers with Peterborough-area employment service providers and employer supports.
Connect with students and recent graduates through job postings, co-op opportunities, experiential learning, recruiting events and other employer services at Trent University and Fleming College.
Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships and Training
Explore training incentives and guidance for hiring and sponsoring apprentices. Eligibility, funding and application details are maintained by the program providers.
Local Labour Market Information
Use Peterborough occupational and sector projections to inform hiring plans. The Workforce Development Board also provides regional tools and a labour market information help desk.
Connect with local programs that support inclusive recruitment, work placements and employment pathways. Employers can also use the Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Workplace Inclusion Charter as a framework for strengthening inclusive workplace practices.
Understanding requirements early is an important step for new business developments or expansion projects. Below you will find access to information that may be relevant to your project. Economic Development can help guide you to appropriate resources and departments as you move forward.
Planning and Development Process
Proposed developments for new or expanding businesses must undergo a development application process to ensure they comply with planning policies, zoning regulations and technical requirements before approval. Learn more about the planning and development process.
Resources for Builders and Developers
Find a centralized page of resources to support development projects from planning through construction, including information on community improvement plans (CIPs) that allow for financial incentives for certain types of documents.
Development Charges
Development charges are fees applied to new development to help fund the infrastructure and services needed to support growth. Learn more about development charges, rates, and policies.
Building Services and Permits
Building permits are required for many construction activities. Learn more about building services and permits.
Location means everything and we want to help you find the right fit for your business. Reach out to us at ecdev@peterborough.ca and we can help you get started.
Businesses require permits and licences to operate, and must comply with relevant regulations. Learn more about what is required below.
There are many variables to consider when choosing how to structure and register a business with the appropriate levels of government.
These resources can help you get started:
Business Permits and Licences outline the municipal requirements needed to legally operate a business in the City of Peterborough, including obtaining the appropriate licences and ensuring compliance with zoning, building, health, and fire regulations.
Health Inspections and Approvals
If you're planning to open a new business in the City of Peterborough, Lakelands Public Health can provide information, resources and guidance on meeting public health standards.
Home-based businesses in the City of Peterborough are permitted within residential properties, provided they remain secondary to the primary use of the home and comply with zoning regulations.
Accessibility Resources for Businesses
Accessibility resources for Ontario businesses provide guidance, tools, and training to help organizations identify, prevent, and remove barriers for people with disabilities and are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Learn more:
Our Economic Development team is here to help assist you and your business.
Various support programs and financial assistance are available to help businesses navigate these changes of the trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada.
