Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training
Training and support for displaced workers to start a business
Funding available
$ 1,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Overview
NEXT supports displaced workers in Peterborough and Peterborough County who want to explore entrepreneurship. The program offers hands-on training, advisory support, and practical business planning, with eligible graduates potentially receiving up to $1,000 toward start-up costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Peterborough
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Entrepreneurship training for displaced workers.
- Business idea exploration and business planning.
- One-on-one advisory support and coaching.
- Launch preparation for a new small business.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Recently laid-off workers
- Displaced workers affected by layoffs or plant closures
- Employers supporting displaced employees
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are not displaced or recently laid off are not identified as the target group.
Eligible expenses
- Start-up costs for a new business.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Peterborough
- Peterborough County
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to displaced and laid-off workers.
- Applicants may be assessed on recent employment history or layoff notice.
- Program completion is required to access the grant support.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the program
- Employers or interested participants contact Community Futures Peterborough.
- Employers may discuss workplace-specific needs with the program team.
- Step 2: Join a cohort
- Participants are enrolled in an in-person, cohort-based program.
- Spaces are limited.
- Step 3: Complete the training
- Take part in workshops, coaching, and business planning support.
- Complete the program to become eligible for post-program support.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the program’s intake and cohort process.
- Priority is given to displaced and laid-off workers.
- Successful participants complete the training program before receiving eligible support.
Additional information
- Participants receive one-on-one advisory support and practical business training.
- A 6-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is included.
- Employers can contact the program to discuss workplace-specific needs.
- Eligible graduates may receive matching support tied to available training funds.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training Program
What is the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training?
NEXT supports displaced workers in Peterborough and Peterborough County who want to explore entrepreneurship. The program offers hands-on training, advisory support, and practical business planning, with eligible graduates potentially receiving up to $1,000 toward start-up costs.
How much funding can be received?
NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training program?
To be eligible for the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training program, you must:
Recently laid-off or displaced workers
Business launched through the program
Proof of recent employment or layoff notice may apply
What expenses are eligible under NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training?
Entrepreneurship training for displaced workers.
Business idea exploration and business planning.
One-on-one advisory support and coaching.
Launch preparation for a new small business.
Who can I contact for more information about the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training?
You can contact Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) by email at devon@cfpeterborough.ca or by phone at 705-957-3641.
Where is the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training available?
The NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NEXT Program - New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training is a Grant and Funding