Economic Development and Tourism News | | Celebrating small businesses during Small Business Month in Georgina | | |
Small Business Month is a time to celebrate, support and invest in the businesses that make Georgina a vibrant community. From cafés and boutiques to service providers and makers, these community-focused ventures form the backbone of our neighbourhoods.
Small businesses do more than sell goods. They create jobs, support community groups and sports teams, and bring unique services to residents and visitors. These businesses are integral to our sense of place, local identity and economic resilience.
This year, YSpace North (Georgina and East Gwillimbury), the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, South Lake Futures, Georgina Public Library and the York Small Business Enterprise Centre are delivering a dynamic lineup of events. From expert-led workshops to networking opportunities, these partners are working together to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
| | Georgina proposing changes to enhance Community Improvement Plan | | |
The Town of Georgina is expanding its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to drive both economic growth and housing development. The first priority is housing, with grants and incentives to support Additional Residential Units (ARUs) in areas with existing or planned servicing.
The economic development component of the CIP focuses on job creation, investment attraction, supporting the rural economy and encouraging new development in the Keswick Business Park. Building on the current CIP program available to businesses in designated Business Improvement Areas, the new Town-wide framework will broaden participation and boost economic impact.
Together, these initiatives strengthen Georgina’s commitment to being open for business, fostering resilience and addressing housing needs. Learn more about the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan and the proposed CIP.
| | Proposed zoning amendment to allow outdoor restaurant patios | | |
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic Development and Tourism Division implemented a Temporary Patio Program to assist restaurants with revenue sources in the face of indoor dining capacity limits and restrictions. This program enabled the establishment of temporary outdoor patios without the need for planning approval, subject to adhering to the Fire and Building Code and any requirements of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The proposed amendment would implement zoning that recognize outdoor restaurant patios associated with a restaurant as a permitted use subject to meeting certain zoning provisions related to setback requirements, location, seating capacity and compliance with any internal and agency requirements. Council will consider a report on Wednesday Oct. 22, 2025 at a Council meeting held at 7 p.m.
To learn more, contact our office at ed@georgina.ca.
| | Georgina celebrates Imperial Dade and Pulp Moulded Products official opening in Keswick Business Park | | |
On Oct. 16, we officially welcomed Imperial Dade and Pulp Moulded Products as the newest tenants in the Keswick Business Park, another exciting milestone in Georgina’s growth story. Imperial Dade, a North American leader in packaging, facilities maintenance supplies, equipment and print products, has expanded into 60,000 sq. ft. in the business park. With more than 1,000 employees throughout Canada and a network of distribution centres, this new location brings additional local jobs and strengthens supply chain solutions for a wide range of industries.
Pulp Moulded Products, founded in 2008, is a Canadian innovator in sustainable packaging. The company has moved from a 32,000 sq. ft. site in Newmarket to a new 74,000 sq. ft. facility in the Keswick Business Park, allowing for significant growth. Renowned for producing zero-waste packaging for major North American retailers, this expansion supports job creation while advancing a greener future.
The ribbon cutting was attended by members of Council, the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, and Town and Regional staff, who joined to celebrate this milestone. Both companies welcomed the community with tours of their impressive new facilities and operations.
Together, these investments highlight what growth in Georgina means: new job opportunities close to home, stronger business confidence in our local economy and continued momentum in a business park that is attracting leading companies. With each new tenant, the Keswick Business Park strengthens Georgina’s position as a community where businesses can thrive and residents benefit from more local career options.
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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.
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Ways to promote your tourism business and event
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 | |
Retail Modernization Project Grant
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is part of a broader Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) initiative. RMPG is designed to support retail businesses to advance their digital transformation with the purchase of effective digital equipment and software to help them grow and thrive in the High Street economy.
Retail businesses can receive up to $5,000 in matched funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). The grant contributes to the cost of hardware, software and the direct external costs to implement. Learn more.
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Tariff Response Initiative
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan that includes $6.5 billion in new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
The $1-billion RTRI helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses across all sectors. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness. 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.
| | York Region also has a number of events to take advantage of. Visit, yorklink.ca/events to learn more and register. | |
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.
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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. | | | | |
