Economic Development and Tourism News | | Program launching to support entrepreneurs with their business plans | | |
A strong business plan is key to launching, operating and growing a successful business. That’s where Business Plan Bootcamp can help.
This free, eight-week workshop series helps aspiring and current business owners develop a complete, practical business plan. The program runs Oct. 20 to Dec. 12 and is available in person and online. Participants will get:
- Weekly on-demand workshops
- One-on-one mentorship every two weeks
- Networking with other local entrepreneurs
Applications close Oct. 12. Apply now to build a solid plan and set your business up for success.
| | Tourism's impact on Georgina's economy and how the Town supports the sector | | |
Tourism is a key driver of Georgina’s economy, with one out of every 10 jobs directly or indirectly related to the sector. Visitors come year-round to our waterfronts, downtowns and cultural attractions.
In partnership with Central Counties Tourism, the Town has been collecting visitor data to measure this impact. When we compare the data from 2023 and 2024, we can see a year-over-year increase: Jackson’s Point and Downtown saw a 21 per cent increase in unique visitors, Sutton Downtown 30 per cent, Willow Beach 35 per cent, and De La Salle Park 44 per cent. This data includes visitors travelling from more than 40 km away and shows that Georgina’s natural beauty, vibrant events and welcoming communities are drawing new audiences and supporting local businesses.
The Town is advancing its five-year strategic goal of strengthening tourism’s economic impact through initiatives such as exploregeorgina.ca, seasonal guides, targeted marketing, wayfinding signage, local event funding, waterfront enhancements and more.
Whether you’re planning a visit or starting a tourism-based business, exploregeorgina.ca is your hub for inspiration, and our team is here to help you connect, grow and thrive in Georgina.
| | Share your voice in the Active Transportation Master Plan Survey | | The Town is creating a new Active Transportation Master Plan and wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help us understand how people currently walk, cycle, roll and move around Georgina. It will also show us the challenges and opportunities you see for the future. Together we can shape how Georgina invests in sidewalks, multi-use paths, protected bike lanes, trails and more. Learn more at georgina.ca/ActiveTransportation. | | Georgina celebrates Turf Care's official grand opening in Keswick Business Park | | |
Town Council, Town of Georgina staff, the Georgina Chamber of Commerce and many of Turf Care’s staff and suppliers joined together at their Keswick location to mark this incredible milestone.
Turf Care Products Canada, one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, officially cut the ribbon on its new 50,000+ sq. ft. facility in the Keswick Business Park—an investment that brings new energy, growth and opportunity to our community. With approximately 200 employees across the company, 25 of whom are based in Keswick, Turf Care’s commitment to Georgina highlights the strength of our business community and the benefits of choosing Georgina to grow and thrive.
For 50 years, Turf Care has been a leader in industry-leading turf maintenance products and services, and we are proud to celebrate not just their anniversary, but their future here in Georgina.
Congratulations to Turf Care on this milestone, and thank you for choosing to invest in our community. Here’s to the next 50 years of success!
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Ways to promote your tourism business and event
We've compiled a list of valuable resources you can take advantage of to increase your business or event exposure. View.
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Municipal business support and entrepreneurship programs
The Town supports businesses through YSpace entrepreneurship programming, grants, a development application fee rebate and more. Learn more.
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.
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.
Networking
Looking for networking opportunities in 2025? Check out the Georgina Chamber of Commerce. Learn more.
| | Featured Financial Opportunities | |
RAISE Grant: $10,000 grant for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs
Applications are now open for the 2025-26 RAISE program, where participants will receive free online business development training from DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University — one of Canada’s leading business incubators — and a one-time grant of $10,000 upon successful completion.
Funding is part of the government’s $15 million investment over three years to ensure entrepreneurs and small business owners have the necessary training and support needed to launch and grow their businesses across the province. Applications close Oct. 1. Learn more.
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Local Festivals — Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, local artisans, local heritage performers or specialists and local First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Applicants can request up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $200,000. The application deadline is October 15 for festivals from July–August 2026. 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.
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| | 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 180,000 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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YSpace North's 3rd Anniversary
We’re excited to invite you to an afternoon of connection, celebration and reflection as we look back on how far we’ve come together. Join us at 1 Market St., in Sutton at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2.
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Instagram Impact: Build, Grow and Convert with a Strategy that Works
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, join Stella Grinfeld, founder of Stella Graphix, for a free, hands-on workshop at 10 a.m. in East Gwillimbury to help you build an Instagram strategy that works and turns followers into loyal customers. Learn more and register.
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The AI-Powered Survival Guide: Using Automation to Sell More with Fewer Resources
On Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., join a workshop to learn how to streamline marketing and boost sales with fewer people, less time and tighter budgets using AI. Learn more and register.
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Small Business Week events
The Town of Georgina, alongside local organizations and business stakeholders, will celebrate Small Business Week Oct. 19 to 25, 2025, through celebration events and informative sessions. Stay tuned to our social media channels and your inbox for opportunities to get involved.
| | Town-led and supported tourism events | |
Georgina Studio Tour
Sept. 27-28, 2025 at various locations throughout Georgina.
For the last quarter century, in Georgina, an ever-evolving group of dedicated artists has worked together to show their art to the public. This two-day self-guided tour is your opportunity to visit homes and studios, that for the rest of the year, are available by appointment only. Learn more.
Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow
Sept. 27-28, 2025 at 20798 Dalton Rd., Sutton.
Experience a traditional Pow Wow, featuring drumming, dancing and First-Nations-owned and operated food and craft vendors. Learn more.
Georgina Mystic Fair
Oct. 17-18, 2025 at the Link in Sutton.
This event is a chance to connect with others who share a passion for all things mystical. Meet like-minded souls, share your stories, enjoy delicious food and browse vendors. Learn more.
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Visit our website
Discover why talent and businesses choose Georgina by exploring our economic development website, choosegeorgina.ca. The site is a comprehensive resource for those considering Georgina as a place to call home and for existing businesses looking to expand.
| | | 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. | | | | |
