Economic Development and Tourism News | |
What does the Economic Development and Tourism office do? | |
Georgina's Economic Development and Tourism office is focused on supporting balanced economic growth. It does this through programs and initiatives that encourage investment attraction and job creation, revitalization, retention and expansion of existing businesses and organizations, and beautification efforts that create a sense of place. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- Developer support through a concierge program
- Grants and financial incentives
- Entrepreneurship skills training programming
- Investment and tourism attraction marketing
- Event development
- Committee and organization board involvement
In August, the Town concluded public consultation for the development of a new Economic Development and Tourism Strategy through an online survey, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. When complete, later this year, it will provide direction and guidance for economic development and tourism activities over the next five years.
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Georgina's sixth annual Field to Table event continues to grow | |
On Aug. 19, we celebrated Georgina’s thriving agriculture sector during the sixth annual Field to Table farm tour event. It was the most attended tour yet, which brought approximately 500 visitors to each of the eight tour stops and more than $28,000 in revenue to participating farmers. Attendees experienced a day on the farm talking with the farmers, touring their properties, eating farm-fresh food cooked by local chefs and enjoying fun and educational activities. Learn more about what the Town is doing to support agriculture. | |
New Indigenous art installed in downtown at Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture | |
In partnership with the downtown Sutton Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Town installed a metal sculpture created by sculptor Ron Baird with input from Indigenous consultant Jared Big Canoe to celebrate Indigenous culture in the community. The unveiling brought many arts and culture enthusiasts and community members during the opening night of the Georgina Centre of Arts and Culture's permanent collection exhibit.
The Old Fox Woman sculpture, along with the Nanabush sculpture, already installed in Uptown Keswick, was funded by the Federal Tourism Relief Fund.
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Job and volunteer fair to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for local residents | |
Georgina's Entrepreneurship Hub completes another successful workshop series and opens applications for its next program | |
YSpace Georgina completed another successful Business Foundations Program facilitated by York University’s YSpace in August. The series of workshops assisted more than 192 participants in enhancing their entrepreneurial skills in social media, marketing, accounting and more. This year, YSpace programming has assisted 489 entrepreneurs to enhance or start their businesses. Learn more about the Entrepreurship Hub at georgina.ca/yspace. | |
Applications are now open for Business Plan Bootcamp | |
Business Plan Bootcamp is an eight-week, free-of-charge educational entrepreneurship series that helps aspiring or existing business owners write and develop their business plan. Participants will learn from weekly on-demand workshops, meet with mentors and network with other business owners.
For established business owners or first-time founders, this program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with what they need to start or refine their business plan.
The program is open for application to entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations. Applications close on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Spots are limited.
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Small business owner chooses Georgina to raise her family and start a business
Lynsey Derrick, the owner of High Street Beauty Collective located at 111 High St. in historic downtown Sutton, opened her business in November 2022. It offers a suite of services, including permanent makeup, lash extensions, body contouring, permanent jewelry and more.
After moving away for a while, it was the closeness to the water that brought Lynsey back to where she was raised. That, combined with her love for the small-town community feeling, she decided Georgina was the best fit to raise her family and start her business. She said, "I like that it's a small town, but it's still close enough to everything. It's a good small town for me to raise my kids in and a great spot for my business."
When chatting with Lynsey about doing business in the area, she commented on the amount of women in business in Georgina, saying, "The amount of women in business in this area is insane. There are so many people to meet. We can all help each other. So that's always the goal - to meet more people we can connect with and help and do that together."
When asked why she thinks businesses are attracted to Georgina, she said, "Because it is growing. It has been growing really fast since the highway came."
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Municipal funding
The Town of Georgina offers funding for businesses, organizations and event organizers. Learn more at georgina.ca/grants.
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Non-profit organization resources and funding opportunities
A weekly eNewsletter that provides sector-based, up-to-date information on funding, professional development and training opportunities. Subscribe.
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Municipal business support and entrepreneurship programs
The Town's business support and entrepreneurship programs include grants, a development application fee rebate, patio program and skills development training. Learn more.
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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.
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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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Digital support
Digital Main Street programs support small businesses looking to sell online or enhance their digital technology. Learn more.
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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. | |
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 industry. | |
20928 Dalton Rd.,
Sutton
$1,100,000
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207 Church St.,,
Keswick
$1,039,000
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26172 HWY 48,
Sutton
$1,100,000
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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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Sept. 20 from noon - 1:30 p.m.
20849 Dalton Rd., Sutton (the Link)
Discuss with hiring professionals how investing in youth employment can benefit your organization.
Learn more
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Every Sunday until Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
20849 Dalton Rd., Sutton
The Georgina Farmers’ Market features more than 30 local vendors offering a wide variety of local products, including produce, meats, baked goods and handmade products.
Learn more
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Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
26557 Civic Centre Rd, Keswick, ON (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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Sept. 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Locations throughout Georgina
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
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Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow |
Sept. 23 and 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
20798 Dalton Rd., Sutton, ON (Sutton District High School)
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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Buttertart Festival Tarts4Hearts |
Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
90 Wexford Dr., Keswick, ON (Georgina Ice Palace)
If you like butter tarts, you do not want to miss this accessible event. Browse and purchase tarts and other goodies from Ontario bakers.
Learn more
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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