Economic Development and Tourism News | | Supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs through expert mentorship | | |
The Town of Georgina, in partnership with East Gwillimbury, continues to strengthen its support for small businesses and entrepreneurs through its partnership with YSpace, offering programs that equip founders with the tools, expertise and confidence to grow.
Tailored mentorship is a core part of programming and provided through field experts in many areas of business, which includes representatives from partnership organizations such as South Lake Community Futures, York Small Business Enterprise Centre and ventureLAB.
Businesses are extremely thankful to have access to mentorship. Here's what one of our participants, Yulia Lasenko, had to say, "The mentorship through YSpace has helped me to determine my financial goals and adjust the business systems to better meet them. Running my business has become easier, and I am able to reach more members of my community.”
If you are an entrepreneur or existing business owner looking for expert guidance in a specific area of business, reach out to us to learn more. We are here to help.
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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
| | | | Georgina's Community Improvement Plan Program provides designated area businesses with incentive to improve storefronts | | |
Since 2015, Georgina’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program has helped local business owners enhance their storefronts and contribute to the vibrancy of our historic downtowns—investing more than $600,000 into property upgrades throughout our Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
This year, the program was updated to give businesses even more support, with grants covering 50 per cent of project costs, up to $7,500 per stream, for improvements in façade, heritage restoration, accessibility, and landscaping.
Whether you’ve been considering a fresh coat of paint, restoring unique architectural details, upgrading entrances for accessibility, or adding landscaping to create a welcoming atmosphere, the CIP makes it easier to bring your vision to life. These upgrades not only improve curb appeal but also attract more visitors, strengthen community pride and support the success of your business.
If you own a brick-and-mortar shop in one of Georgina’s BIAs, now is the perfect time to invest in beautification. Learn more about the program and connect with our office to book a meeting and start planning your improvements today.
| | Georgina launches new tourism brand and website | | |
The Town of Georgina has launched its new tourism brand, Explore Georgina, complete with a mobile-friendly website and dedicated Facebook and Instagram channels to showcase the community’s natural beauty, cultural assets, local charm and vibrant events year-round. Tourism is a substantial economic driver that supports hundreds of jobs, and this initiative aligns with the Town’s strategic goals to enhance the economic impact of tourism in our community.
The new platform offers curated itineraries, seasonal travel ideas, business listings, attraction highlights and an event calendar, while social media will spotlight festivals, hidden gems and outdoor adventures. The Town continues to work closely with the Georgina Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information Centre to ensure visitors have all they need to explore the area, reinforcing Georgina’s position as a year-round, must-visit destination.
| | Georgina businesses continue to choose Georgina as a place to live and do business. Read through their stories in our blog. | |
Giuseppe's Subs and Such
When Joe — better known as Giuseppe — first visited Lake Simcoe as a teen, he never imagined it would spark a lifelong connection to the Georgina. Decades later, he’s brought that love to life with Giuseppe’s, a charming ice cream and sub shop adding fresh energy to High Street in Sutton. Inspired by small-town charm, riverside views and the heritage feel of downtown, Joe has created more than just a place to eat — it’s a community hub rooted in family values and friendly faces. As Joe puts it, “The people. Everyone is so supportive, so generous, so community-minded.” Read more.
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Cutie Pies Baking Company and the Lunch Room
Cutie Pies Baking Company and the Lunch Room have added a delicious boost to Downtown Sutton, bringing family-run charm and flavour to High Street. Long-time Town of Georgina residents Nick and Carrie Lekatis, with more than 15 years of restaurant experience, first opened Cutie Pies late last year, followed by the Lunch Room with their son Matthew. As Nick puts it, “We wanted to be part of something growing. There’s a great energy on High Street right now — and we’re excited to help it thrive.” Read more.
| | | New Tourism Route Development Course for businesses and operators | | | | Central Counties Tourism has launched a free, self-paced Tourism Route Development course to help tourism businesses create collaborative, visitor-focused experiences. Participants will learn how to design themed trails, multi-stop itineraries, and route-based campaigns that boost visitation and support economic growth, with inspiration from York, Durham, and Headwaters. The course is part of CCT’s online Learning Lab, which also offers free modules on tourism ambassadorship, grant writing, social media marketing, and workplace inclusion. | | |
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.
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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.
| | | Featured Award Opportunity | |
Nominations open for Ontario 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards
The Ontario government has opened nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations in the province’s world-class agri-food industry. Top award recipients receive a plaque and an Excellence in Agriculture wordmark for marketing and promotional use, while honourable mention recipients receive a certificate and the same wordmark. Applications are due by Sept. 2, 2025. Learn more.
| | Featured Financial Opportunities | |
2025 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF)
ventureLAB’s 2025 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF), backed by a $100,000 contribution from York Region, supports early‑stage non‑profits serving underrepresented communities and small businesses or entrepreneurs developing Agri‑tech or Cleantech innovations. Applications close on Aug. 29, 2025. Learn more.
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Retail Modernization Project Grant
Ontario-based for-profit businesses with 1–50 employees can receive up to $5,000 to adopt digital technologies, hardware and software. To qualify, applicants must have been in business for at least one year, generate $100K+ in annual revenue, and operate a direct-to-consumer storefront such as retail, food service, or professional services. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Learn more.
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Side Hustle Program
Futurpreneur’s Side Hustle Program provides aspiring young entrepreneurs in Canada with up to $25,000 in flexible, equity‑free loan financing to launch or grow a side business while maintaining full‑time employment. The program also includes up to two years of free one‑to‑one mentoring, access to a nationwide entrepreneurial network and practical business planning resources. 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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Practical Tips for Expanding into New Export Markets
On Aug. 26, EMC Canada will host a 45-minute virtual webinar, led by global trade expert Dave Archer, “the Export Coach,” and hosted by Jason Bates. Designed for both new and experienced exporters, the session will share 10 actionable strategies to help Canadian manufacturers identify and evaluate promising markets, find international customers, and reduce tariff impacts while building resilience. Learn more and register.
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Turn Financial Data into Action
On Aug. 26, join CPA Jason Charette for a practical session designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build a solid financial foundation. Drawing on 20+ years of experience, Jason will share real-world insights to boost your financial confidence, covering how to read and understand key financial statements, apply essential ratios to monitor business health, make tax-smart decisions on HST and expenses and effectively manage your finances using spreadsheets or software. Learn more and register.
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AI Security and Governance: Protecting Your Business in the Age of AI
On Sept. 5, cybersecurity expert Jason Dion will share how to manage AI risks and responsibilities in business using the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. The session covers ethics, bias mitigation, intellectual property protection, and liability avoidance when using public AI models, with practical tips and demos to help build secure, ethical AI strategies. Learn more and register.
| | Town-led and supported tourism events | | | |
Georgina Marathon and Half Marathon
Sept. 7, 2025 at De La Salle Park in Jackson's Point.
Learn more.
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Georgina Cultural Festival
Sept. 20, 2025 at the ROC.
Learn more.
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Georgina Studio Tour
Sept. 27-28, 2025 at various locations throughout Georgina.
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 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. | | | | |
