Economic Development and Tourism Update - Georgina Emergency Response Benefit approved, business community invited to a virtual meeting, upcoming webinars...

Economic Development and Tourism eNewsletter

Our Economic Development team has been busy connecting with our local business community over the past few weeks. We've reached out to more than 50 businesses who submitted a business recovery feedback form and to the businesses in our three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).

Our team is offering advice, providing information on available resources and listening. We're listening to better understand how we can support our community through this challenging time.

As the pandemic and its impact on our economy evolves, the Town is dedicated to taking actions to ensure not only short-term relief but also long-term recovery.

Georgina Emergency Response Benefit Approved

The Town's newest measure to assist our businesses was approved during Council's first virtual meeting on April 22, 2020. The new Georgina Emergency Response Benefit (GERB) will grant eligible businesses who have seen a 30 per cent reduction in revenue up to $7,500 and will be administered through South Lake Community Futures. Applications will be available as early as next week.

Learn more.

Additional measures already in place:

Property tax and water bill deferral - the Town will not be applying penalties and interest for late payment of property taxes or water bills for 90 days.

Proposed water and wastewater increase has been waived.

A grant of $10,000 for each of the three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Keswick, Sutton and Jackson’s Point, was approved to support their annual budgets for 2020. This will eliminate the annual fees that property owners contribute towards the activities undertaken by the BIAs.

Assembled Town Task Force to work with other municipalities in York Region and financial organizations to look at additional funding opportunities.

Designated webpage with up-to-date news and information from all three levels of government, webinars and links to resources to assist businesses as they adjust their business models.

We've teamed up with the Northern Six (N6) municipalities of York Region and the York Region Economic Strategy Office to assist local businesses through this crisis. Businesses are invited to fill out a form to request information on the changing resources available to companies in Ontario. You should also fill out the form if you require direct assistance from the Town's Economic Development Officer.

If you have any questions about these measures or the resources available to businesses, we can be reached by email at [email protected] . To ask questions over the phone, contact Karyn Stone, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, at 905-476-4301, ext. 2312.

Business community meeting

Tue., April 28 at 11 a.m.

Join our Economic Development team on Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m. for a virtual meeting to discuss business recovery. You'll have a chance to ask about the measures being taken to support our business community and share your concerns. Screen space is limited, so register today.

Increase your profit during COVID-19 by enhancing your online presence

Since most businesses can no longer rely on foot traffic to be successful, many are evolving their marketing strategies, turning to online channels to connect with their customers and highlight their products.

Enhancing your online presence is not as daunting as you may think. York Region's Digital Squad member, Toby James, co-owner of Cats Cove Communications, has worked with many businesses to enhance their online presence, each one with unique needs. Toby has recorded a recent one-hour webinar where he walks you through analyzing your current presence and setting up new online channels you may not have tapped into.

Watch webinar

Visit georgina.ca/business for up-to-date news and webinars on COVID-19.

News and Resources

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will start accepting applications on Mon., April 27

Use the CEWS online calculator to determine your wage subsidy.

Boating industry impact

Boating Industry Canada surveyed the recreational boating stakeholders in Canada on the business impact brought on by the current Covid -19 situation. Learn more.

Free resource to bring your business online

Digital Main Street helps businesses achieve digital transformation. Register for upcoming webinars.

COVID-19 agriculture resources

A dedicated webpage with the latest information, recommendations, employee management tips, tools (posters, policies) and links to authorities. Learn more .

Canada and Ontario supporting agri-food sector supply chain during COVID-19

$1 million in new funding to support efforts that match employers with job-seekers. Learn more.

Webinars

Joining a webinar may help you get the specific info and advice you need as you navigate this challenging time. York Link - York Region Economic Development has created a list of webinars from reputable sources that relate to all sectors and business needs.

Resources to manage the impact on Canadian businesses

April 23 at 11 a.m.

Getting Started with your online store

April 28 at 2 p.m.

Social Media for Small Business

April 29 at 6 p.m.

Mind Your Business

Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, hosts local businesses on Rogers TV to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and how they are coping.

Watch already aired episodes

Available Properties

Listings of Commercial & Industrial Properties.

Disclaimer: Listings are provided to the Town from brokers, real estate agents, and various real estate websites. The Town of Georgina assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information shown, and does not make any representation, warranties or guarantees of any kind in relation to the listings in this e-newsletter or the properties described therein. Please contact the real estate agent or other contact person identified on the listing to verify all information.

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