Economic Development and Tourism News | | Supporting economic growth through the Explore Georgina Grant Program | | The Town of Georgina’s Explore Georgina Grant supports events and initiatives that attract visitors, generate local spending and strengthen the community’s economic impact. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 to bring their ideas to life. Intake 1 is recommended for events taking place between Jan. 1 and July 30, 2026, and is the first of two intakes this year. If you’re planning something that draws people, supports local businesses and builds Georgina’s economy, this funding could help make it happen. Book your pre-application meeting and apply by March 13, 2026. | | Taste of Georgina event continues to support local dining establishments during the shoulder season | | |
Taste of Georgina continues to drive winter dining traffic while evolving to better support local restaurants. This year, the program moved away from a fixed prix fixe model, giving participating restaurants more flexibility to showcase what works best for their business, from featured dishes to unique dining experiences.
By responding directly to restaurant feedback, the Town has strengthened the program to encourage participation, support diverse business models and keep local dining dollars circulating in Georgina.
| | Free workshop series assists businesses with digital skills | | Digital Skills for Business is open for registration. This free workshop series, running through March, helps entrepreneurs and small business owners build strong digital skills through hands-on learning. Register to attend flexible virtual sessions and in-person workshops. | | | |
Recognition for entrepreneurship program partnership
We were proud to be finalists at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference Awards Gala alongside our partners, the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University YSpace, being recognized in the Excellence in Rural Economic Development category for our collaborative work supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
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ROGERS TV covers Milwaukee Tool's expansion to Georgina
The coverage highlights Milwaukee Tool expanding its Canadian operations with a new 54,000-sq.-ft. service hub in the Keswick Business Park, bringing more than 60 jobs to Georgina and reinforcing the community’s growing role as a destination for investment and employment. View.
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Promoting ice fishing in Georgina
Media were invited out before the Family Day long weekend to experience ice fishing on Lake Simcoe, North America's ice fishing capital. Learn about this winter tourism activity that contributes to our economy at exploregeorgina.ca.
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Financial guidance and support
South Lake Futures provides loans for small businesses, business start-up consultations, business name registration assistance, business grants and growth counselling. Learn more.
Municipal business support and entrepreneurship programs
The Town supports businesses through YSpace entrepreneurship programming, grants and more. For networking opportunities, check out the Georgina Chamber of Commerce.
Regional resources and support
Online business resources include a new easy-to-use collection of links on business licensing, taxes, market research and more. The page also includes information on community assets within York Region – from maker spaces helping to create product prototypes to business incubators providing support and guidance. Learn more.
Tourism business and event support
We’ve pulled together a collection of resources to help boost the visibility of your business or event, from directory listings and free tools to event calendars and strategic partnerships that amplify your reach. View.
| | Featured Financial Opportunities | |
CanExport SMEs
CanExport SMEs is a federal funding program that helps small and medium-sized Canadian businesses expand into international markets by sharing the cost of export-ready activities. Through CanExport SMEs, eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 per project to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses. The program is competitive and designed to reduce the financial risk of entering new global markets while supporting long-term export growth. Learn more.
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Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative
The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative aims to help farmers, food processors and agribusinesses sell more Ontario grown products around the world. As part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this initiative provides funding for a variety of projects to increase competitiveness and support expansion into new and international markets. Learn more.
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York Region Tourism Fund
Applications are now open for the York Region Tourism Fund, offering up to $5,000 to support events and initiatives that promote tourism, attract visitors, and drive local economic impact across York Region. Eligible applicants include registered charities and non-profits, municipalities, BIAs, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, destination marketing organizations, arts and culture associations and community groups. Events must take place by Dec. 31, 2026, and funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more.
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Business Benefits Finder
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business or a not-for-profit organization, this tool can help you find grants, partnerships and support currently available to help you grow.
| | Upcoming skills training and business events | |
Gateways to Pathways: Talent and Industry Forum
A full-day in-person FREE event designed to connect job seekers, employers and community organizations in meaningful and practical ways.
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.
Location: York University, Markham Campus
Learn more
| | | York Region also has a number of events to take advantage of. Visit, yorklink.ca/events to learn more and register. | |
| | The Town of Georgina’s business park lands offer one of the most extensive footprints for business development in the Greater Toronto Area. More than 90,000 sq. ft. is currently available for lease. Learn more. | | | | Featured properties for lease, rent or sale | | Are you looking for the perfect site to start or expand your business? We can help you find a location that will meet your needs and is zoned for your business. | | |
See full map of "For Sale" listings of Commercial and 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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Bids and Tenders
Are you interested in doing business with the Town of Georgina? We welcome you to learn about our procurement process and buying regulations. Visit georgina.ca/BidsandTenders.
Advertising and Sponsorship
Bring your brand to Georgina. Sponsorship opportunities include partnering with us for special events, programs and naming rights, to name a few. Your business can also get noticed through advertising opportunities in our community centres. With ongoing exposure throughout the year, residents and tourists will see what your business has to offer. Learn more.
| | Georgina's Economic Development staff are available to guide you to programs, resources or funding opportunities you may not be aware of. Connect with us. | | |
Discover why talent and businesses choose Georgina by exploring our economic development website.
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Our visitor-experience website for Georgina, showcases local attractions, events, dining, outdoor activities and more to help visitors plan memorable experiences.
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