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.

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.

Job and volunteer fair to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for local residents

The Georgina Job and Volunteer Fair is presented by the Georgina Community Action Table (GCAT), a collaborative planning table created to address unique local issues and identify solutions for targeted geographic locations within Georgina.

The event will bring more than 30 local businesses and organizations together on Thursday, Sept. 28, to discuss career and volunteer opportunities with local residents.

It is coordinated by Georgina CAT's Employment and Income Generation Working Group. The group is made up of representatives from Routes Connecting Communities, the Town of Georgina, Georgina Chamber of Commerce, Hospice Georgina, Jericho Youth Services, Job Skills and Skills Training Centre.

For more information, contact Anthony at 905-722-4616 or email [email protected].

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.

Local Spotlight

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." 

Funding Opportunities

Municipal funding

The Town of Georgina offers funding for businesses, organizations and event organizers. Learn more at georgina.ca/grants.

Provincial and federal funding opportunities

Visit mentorworks.ca/government-funding for a list of provincial and federal funding and support opportunities.

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.

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.

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

207 Church St.,,

Keswick

$1,039,000

26172 HWY 48,

Sutton

$1,100,000

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.

Upcoming business events

Upcoming tourism events

For more upcoming events, visit georgina.ca/events.