Nventure AGM Showcases CFP Success

Driving Business Growth in Northumberland: Community Futures

This morning, Nventure convened for the Annual General Meeting of the corporation which included remarks from the CEO, Wendy Curtis, on local, regional and national initiatives. Curtis’ update  included highlights from the Community Futures Program (CFP) in Northumberland. Nventure receives core operational funding from FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada to provide alternative lending and strategy services for entrepreneurs, for business start up, stabilization and expansion in Northumberland, as part of a federal strategy for rural community economic development.

In 2025 Nventure provided $1.43 million in capital to Northumberland businesses through CFP, leveraging a further $1.62 million in investment. CFP loan funds had an estimated local impact to GDP of over $6 million (calculated based on a study by the Conference Board of Canada on the economic multiplier effects of the CFP in rural Ontario). With these investments, Nventure helped entrepreneurs create or maintain over 60 jobs.  Most companies supported in 2025 were on a growth trajectory, expanding their business or starting a new one.  The business sectors assisted were very diverse, covering arts, recreation, mining, manufacturing, food services and food production. Nventure backed new businesses like Alchimista, a cafe that opened their doors on the main street in Colborne and has quickly become a local favourite.  As well as Colossal Dance Studio whose vision of an expanded location in Cobourg was realized, the new well-appointed location has allowed them to continue to grow.

Nventure maintained an active presence across the region to support economic development and small business growth. Our team participated in key business, workforce and community events, including multiple Northumberland Manufacturers Association gatherings, youth entrepreneurship initiatives and regional economic forums. Nventure also delivered workshops focused on small business financing and peer learning, while engaging with industry partners and government representatives on workforce and economic priorities. This sustained engagement strengthened regional collaboration and ensured Nventure’s work remained aligned with the needs of entrepreneurs and the broader business community.

Of course, this past year was profoundly shaped by bilateral Canada-US relations and the imposition of tariffs Nventure responded quickly by launching a new Community Futures loan product: CANtrade™ was designed for Northumberland-based ventures planning to adapt and grow through economic and trade uncertainty. Under CANtrade™, Nventure lent $350K to innovative businesses like Sootsoap Supply Co. The CANtrade™ format was replicated by other CFDCs in Eastern Ontario including Trenval, Renfrew, Bancroft and Peterborough.

“With the support of FedDev Ontario, the CFP continues to play a vital role in our communities and we are proud to back entrepreneurs who are taking risks and dreaming big even when facing broader economic headwinds,” said Wendy Curtis, Nventure CEO. “I’d also like to acknowledge the leadership and commitment of our Board of Directors -including the Investment Committee chaired by Rob Stevenson - for the results they have generated this year on behalf of all.”

“Today was an important day to acknowledge what we achieved in 2025 and also to look forward to growing impact across our array of programs, including the core Community Futures Program, which we were proud to showcase at today’s meeting,” said Jason Ewart, Chair of Nventure’s Board of Directors. “Thank you to FedDev Ontario and all of our partners across the ecosystem for your focus on economic advancement in pursuit of future prosperity. We look forward to continuing collaboration in support of innovation and entrepreneurship.”