Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Town of Georgina Economic Development and Tourism 2022 Year in Review |
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The 2022 Year in Review is a snapshot of the progress made to grow Georgina's economy and the highlights that provide an example of this growth. In the review, you'll find economic statistics, information on one of the largest developments in Georgina's history, entrepreneurship support initiatives and what the Town is doing to prepare for the future. |
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Georgina continues to grow despite economic challenges |
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Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, employment in Georgina continued to grow. According to the 2022 York Region Employment Survey results, which survey brick-and-mortar businesses, Georgina experienced a 2.2 per cent average annual employment growth from 2012 to 2022.
The top growth sector between 2019 and 2022 was retail trade (+178 jobs), followed by real estate and rental and leasing (+127 jobs), and accommodation and food services (+35 jobs). View the results and more up-to-date statistics on Georgina’s growing economy in our blog.
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Taste of Georgina event brings more than $25,000 in revenue to restaurants |
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Taste of Georgina was launched during the pandemic to support restaurants that were suffering due to a decrease in revenue. It has since evolved with a focus on celebrating the Town’s growing and diverse food culture and encouraging residents and visitors to try new establishments and support local restaurants.
This year, 12 restaurants participated, more than ever before, collectively selling more than 700 Taste of Georgina three-course meals, which brought in more than $25,000 in revenue. If you are a restaurant owner and want to participate and learn more about the event, email us at ed@georgina.ca.
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With recent and imminent future development comes the need for additional infrastructure and amenities to serve our growing community. From downtown parkettes to road construction and recreation amenities to major capital builds, Georgina is building the infrastructure to ensure it can meet the needs of our residents now and into the future. Check out the progress being made on Georgina’s new Multi-use Recreation Complex (the MURC) and other projects at georgina.ca/BuildingGeorgina.
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Town accepting funding applications for 2023 events that will have an economic impact on our community |
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Are you planning an event in Georgina that will have an impact on our community? The Town’s Economic Development and Community Betterment Grants could help to support your efforts. Eligible applicants could receive up to 50 per cent of their total eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000. Head to georgina.ca/grants to learn more and apply online before the next intake deadline on March 31, 2023.
2022 grant recipients include events such as the Georgina Studio Tour, Georgina Marathon and Half Marathon, Military Day and more.
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Tell us why you choose Georgina to live, work and play for a chance to be spotlighted in our campaign |
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In 2022, the Economic Development and Tourism office launched a campaign to attract investment and instill civic pride by highlighting Georgina as a great place to live, work and play. It included videos viewed more than 400K times, blogs and social media spotlights.
If you love living, working and playing in Georgina, we want to hear from you. Your submission could be featured in an upcoming spotlight for the Choose Georgina campaign.
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Featured Funding Opportunity |
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Canada Digital Adoption Program
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program helps businesses get online, enhance their e-commerce presence and help digitalize operations. It is designed to support small-to-medium-sized businesses that need to make digital adoptions in their businesses to be able to remain competitive. The website offers a questionnaire to figure out which stream is right for you.
Deadline: Open until funds are used
Funding amount: $2,400 or 90 per cent of costs up to $15,000 depending on the stream
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Summer Company 2023 has launched |
Students aged 15-29 can receive training, mentoring and a grant of up to $3,000 to start their own summer business. Learn more. |
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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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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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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. |
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Featured Businesses and Properties for Sale |
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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.
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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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Free workshops for business owners and entrepreneurs |
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Digital Skills for Business is a program hosted by York University's YSpace in partnership with the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury. It is a free-of-charge educational workshop series that focuses on building the presence of your business online. Register for one or all of the upcoming sessions scheduled until the end of April.
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SEO optimization for your website |
Tues. March 28, 2023, 10 a.m.
(Virtual)
Join Digital Main Street in SEO optimization for your website, optimizing for search engines – understanding SEO basics.
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How to create a marketing strategy |
Tues, April 4, 2023, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
(Virtual)
In this workshop, marketing expert Stella Grinfeld of Stella Graphix shares how to develop an effective marketing strategy. Your marketing plan outlines your strategies to make your goals and marketing efforts.
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See more free networking and workshop opportunities.
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Town-run and Town-supported events |
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Sun., March 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
38 Pete's Ln., Pefferlaw (Pefferlaw Lions Community Centre)
Connect with gardeners and vendors, and hear from knowledgeable speakers. Admission is free.
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Sun., March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
20849 Dalton Rd., Sutton (the Link)
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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