Economic Development and Tourism News | | Applications are open for the final Economic, Culture and Community Betterment (ECCB) Grants | | |
Looking to grow your event, program or initiative in Georgina? The Town’s ECCB grants offer funding support to help you create a stronger impact in the community—whether through cultural celebration, neighbourhood building, or economic growth. In 2024, 23 initiatives were supported through this program, distributing a total of $45,000. One example: the Georgina Marathon, which drew more than 1,000 visitors—66 per cent from outside the area—highlighting the real economic and tourism benefits of supported events.
Eligible applicants may receive up to 50 per cent of total eligible expenses, to a maximum of $5,000. The program includes three funding streams:
- Community Betterment Grant – Strengthen neighbourhoods and community connections
- Community Culture Grant – Celebrate and showcase Georgina’s vibrant arts and culture
- Economic Development Grant – Drive tourism and economic activity through events and initiatives
Intake deadline: June 30, 2025
Start your application today by booking your mandatory pre-application meeting.
| | The 2025 Summer/Fall Tourism Guide is here | | |
From beach days to fall festivals, Georgina offers unforgettable experiences—and our Explore Georgina Summer/Fall Tourism Guide is your go-to resource for things to see and do across our lakeside communities.
Tourism is a key economic driver, supporting local jobs and businesses. According to Central Counties Tourism, Georgina saw a 38 per cent increase in visitors from 2022 to 2023, highlighting our growing appeal. This guide helps keep that momentum going.
Pick up a printed copy at community centres, libraries, or local businesses. To request copies for your location, contact our office at tourism@georgina.ca.
| | EDCO Central Regional Event comes to Georgina | | |
On May 29, the Town of Georgina proudly hosted the 2025 Central Regional Event for the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) at the scenic ClearWater Farm. This full-day event brought together municipal leaders, economic development professionals and business partners from throughout Ontario to explore key themes shaping rural economic development.
Participants engaged in discussions on Indigenous partnerships, investment readiness in rural communities and the growing impact of agri-tourism. Following opening remarks and a keynote address from Lauri Hoeg of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, the day continued with expert-led panels that offered valuable insights and practical takeaways for communities seeking to support business growth and attract investment.
A guided tour of ClearWater Farm demonstrated how sustainable agriculture and tourism can collaborate to drive local economic growth. The event also provided meaningful networking opportunities, enabling professionals to exchange ideas and build valuable connections.
We extend our sincere thanks to EDCO for selecting Georgina as the host community and to everyone who contributed to this inspiring and collaborative day.
| | Supporting entrepreneurs: YSpace program continues to grow in Georgina | | |
Thanks to our partnership with YSpace, we’re seeing a real impact in Georgina’s small business community. In 2024 alone, we supported 872 participants through skills-training programs and networking events, delivering 262 hours of mentorship that helped launch and grow 151 local ventures. These programs continue to evolve based on participant feedback to ensure we’re providing the resources entrepreneurs need most.
Registration is now open for the free YSpace Business Foundations program—an eight-week, nine-session virtual workshop series designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. The series explores key business topics, including validating your idea, developing a purpose-driven business plan, optimizing operations, and leveraging AI automation.
Participants who attend at least six workshops will earn an Innovation York Certificate of Completion and become eligible for mentorship through YSpace, offering personalized guidance to help move their business forward. The first workshop begins Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m.
| |
| |
Success video
Our latest spotlight video showcases how we’re supporting entrepreneurs throughout Georgina and East Gwillimbury — from launching startups to scaling established ventures. Hear directly from local business owners about how YSpace helped turn their ideas into action. Watch
| | | |
Tariff support
The Town of Georgina stands with its local businesses as it navigates the tariffs implemented by the U.S. government. We understand these tariffs will impact businesses throughout York Region and Georgina — not only affecting supply chains but also their ability to sustain employment opportunities that so many of our residents depend on. Our team is here to support your business through these challenges. Connect with us, access valuable information and register for webinars at choosegeorgina.ca/BusinessSupport.
| | | |
Municipal business support and entrepreneurship programs
The Town supports businesses through YSpace entrepreneurship programming, grants, a development application fee rebate, a patio program 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.
| | | |
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.
| | | Featured Financial Opportunities | |
Work-Sharing Program
The Work-Sharing Program provides EI support to employees who temporarily reduce their work hours (by at least 10 per cent) to help employers avoid layoffs during a temporary, uncontrollable downturn in business activity. Learn more.
|
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills. This helps employers ensure their workforce has the right skills to adapt to a changing economy. The Canada-Ontario Job Grant supports eligible training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee, with additional flexibility for small employers. Learn more.
| | |
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.
| |
| | 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.
| |
Making Business Sense of Climate Change Solutions
Climate change is transforming how food is grown, processed, and delivered—this free half-day forum will help agri-food businesses understand the risks and opportunities that come with it. Join York Link on Thursday, June 19 at Vaughan City Hall for Making Business Sense of Climate Change Solutions, featuring expert insights, real-world case studies, and networking with industry leaders. Learn more and register.
| |
Localizing the Canadian Supply Chain - Understanding Sector-Specific Impacts on U.S. Tariffs
This bi-weekly, one-hour co-creation speakers series explores the sector-by-sector impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian business supply chains. Industry experts will discuss key challenges and strategies for building resilience, localization, and supply chain diversification amid shifting trade dynamics
Based on the recent implementation of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, several key industry sectors in Canada are significantly impacted. Each session will highlight a sector, and also provide updates with the ones previously discussed. Learn more and register.
| |
Military Day
Experience live historical re-enactments from 1812 to WWII, browse war memorabilia, and explore restored WWII trucks and equipment at the Georgina Military Museum on June 21, 2025, at 26061 Woodbine Ave, Keswick. This is a Town-supported event hosted by the Georgina Military Museum. Learn more.
| |
Duck Races and Festival on High
Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family with kids’ games, vendors, Indigenous art and music, food booths, and the popular rubber duck races on the Black River—happening July 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on High Street in Sutton. This is a Town-supported event hosted by the Sutton BIA. Learn more.
| | Performer and vendor opportunity | |
Georgina Cultural Festival
Georgina’s inaugural Cultural Festival is coming this September and we’re looking for local artists, performers, cultural groups, vendors, and community organizations to help us bring it to life. Whether you want to showcase your heritage through music, dance, food, storytelling or visual art—we’d love to hear from you. Interested in participating? Learn more.
| | | |
Visit our website
Discover why talent and businesses choose Georgina by exploring our economic development website, choosegeorgina.ca. The new 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. | | | | |
