Economic Development and Tourism News | |
Entrepreneurship support evolves to support small business growth in Georgina | |
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The Town's partnership with York University YSpace and the Town of East Gwillimbury has been successful over the past few years, supporting more than 510 businesses and 820 participants through mentorship, networking opportunities and workshops. To continue supporting current needs, all participants were given the chance to provide feedback on future support. We are already putting some of the feedback into action. In September, we'll be extending our hours and adding weekly networking events at our physical space, 1 Market St. in Sutton. Stay tuned to our social channels and subscribe to the YSpace eNewsletter to stay in the know.
If you are not a YSpace participant and want to learn about how we can support your business goals, connect with us.
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Georgina's annual signature event continues to support agriculture sector and adds cultural experiences | |
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Georgina's seventh annual Field to Table farm tour was another successful event that showcased the Town's thriving agriculture sector, providing educational and cultural experiences. Cloudy skies did not dampen the excitement and attendance of eventgoers who enjoyed new cultural experiences on the tour this year, which was in part funded through the York Region Tourism Fund. Most locations added some form of art through local musical talent or artists.
Eight farmers at seven locations welcomed hundreds of locals and visitors to learn about agriculture, purchase farm-fresh products and experience life on the farm. Thank you to all of our participating farms and event-goers for continuing to support the agriculture sector and local businesses. To learn more about the Field to Table event and how the Town supports sustainability and growth, visit choosegeorgina.ca/agri-tourism.
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Support for your tourism business: Central Counties Tourism | |
Central Counties Tourism (Regional Tourism Organization 6) is responsible for promoting businesses and events happening in York, Durham and Headwaters. The Business to Business (B2B) website offers great resources and tools for tourism marketing and product development. Tourism operators can create a free profile to gain access to e-learning courses, update their listing in the tourism directory and add special events to the calendar. Discover more resources and opportunities for tourism businesses in our blog. | |
Jackson's Point business takes advantage of Town grant to improve storefront | |
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Georgina Insurance Brokers is looking refreshed after recently improving it's storefront. The business received $5,845 through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program, which covered half of the cost to paint the walls, trim and doors, and add exterior planters. To do this, they utilized two streams of the program, the Façade and Landscape grant.
The CIP grants are intended to improve and revitalize the Business Improvement Areas (Downtown Sutton, Jackson's Point and Uptown Keswick). There are four grants that business owners and commercial property owners within the designated CIP boundaries can apply for – façade, heritage, landscape and accessibility. Eligible businesses could receive up to $5,000 or 50 per cent of the cost of the improvement, whichever is less.
The Economic Development Office reached out to the owners to gather feedback on their experience with the grant process to which the owners thanked the Town for its support and noted they wouldn't have done the upgrade without the grant.
“The process seemed confusing at first, but after connecting with the Downtown Revitalization Officer and an onsite meeting, she took the time to answer all our questions. Thank you for offering such grants to help small business owners in our community” – Mona Marchese.
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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.
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Featured Support Opportunities | | |
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One-on-one Consultations
Free one-on-one consultation services that connect entrepreneurs with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can help your idea come to life. The program provides a free one-on-one consultation with a business professional, a defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs and access to additional support or mentorship. Request consultation.
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Mentorship
The Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) Program connects local YSpace participants with seasoned entrepreneurs who have diverse industry expertise. Our experienced mentors will work closely with you, providing personalized guidance and support to help grow your business and drive its success. Learn more and apply.
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Tourism Growth Program
Receive up to $250K in Government Funding Support. The Tourism Growth Program supports communities, SMEs and not-for-profit (NFP) organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The Reginal Development Agencies are working in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and tourism partners to ensure the program is complementary to other supports for the tourism industry, helping to diversify regional economies and contributes to Canada’s economic growth. 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 300,000 sq. ft. is currently available for lease. Learn more. | | | |
Featured businesses and properties for 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. | |
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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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Thursday Thrive: Weekly networking sessions
All business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join us on Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. starting Sept. 12 at 1 Market St. in Sutton to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and enjoy local refreshments. We will end with a relaxation, inner connect and a brief meditation. No registration is required. Learn more about YSpace business programming.
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Georgina Chamber of Commerce September Breaknet
On Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Link, connect with fellow business professionals, forge new partnerships, and showcase your business at our networking breakfast. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and grow your business. Learn more and register.
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Culture, Economic and Community Betterment Grant recipient events | | |
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Georgina Farmers' Market
The Georgina Farmers' Market is open on Sundays at the Link in Sutton from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and runs until October. It has more than 40 vendors that sell a wide range of local products, including produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. Learn more.
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Georgina Marathon and Half-Marathon
On Sept. 8, run along the south shore of Lake Simcoe through the quiet communities of Georgina on this flat, fast and scenic Half-Marathon and Boston Qualifier Marathon course. Learn more.
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Harvestfest
On Sept. 21 at Georgina Pioneer Village, celebrate the arrival of autumn at the Georgina Historical Society's Harvestfest featuring live music performed throughout the village, local craft, vegetable and food vendors, and more. Learn more.
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Georgina Studio Tour
This two-day self-guided tour, Sept. 28 and 39 is your opportunity to visit homes and studios, that for the rest of the year, are available by appointment only. Learn more.
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Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow
On Sept. 28 and 29, experience a traditional Pow Wow and a day at the shores of Lake Simcoe. Discover drumming, dancing, hoop dance demonstrations and First Nations-owned and operated food and craft vendors. Learn more.
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Maximize your brand's visibility and impact by partnering with the Town of Georgina through tailored sponsorship opportunities, crafted to seamlessly align with your business goals and resonate within our dynamic community.
Event sponsorship
Customize your sponsorship for maximum impact in the Town of Georgina. Our events calendar includes seasonal festivals and cultural celebrations, featuring more than a dozen Town-hosted events like SnoFest and Canada Day, which attract more than 50,000+ visitors annually. These events showcase local and regional businesses, food trucks, performers and vendors, offering unmatched exposure and engagement at all sponsorship levels, with personalized benefits.
Facility naming rights
Enhance visibility with naming rights and corporate sponsorship opportunities at key facilities such as the MURC, ROC and the Georgina Ice Palace. Benefits include category exclusivity, incorporation of your name and logo into the facility's branding, extensive signage, and comprehensive visibility across all media platforms, solidifying your legacy within the community.
Foster stronger community connections while demonstrating your commitment to Georgina's growth and prosperity. Sponsoring community events and facility naming rights offers exceptional exposure, allowing your brand to reach thousands of residents and visitors through our diverse programming.
Learn more about sponsorships, the Town's procurement process and advertising opportunities at choosegeorgina.ca/DoBusiness.
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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.
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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. | |
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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