Town receives funding to invest in its Business Improvement Areas

The tourism sector is crucial to the economy and jobs in Georgina. Each year, the Town welcomes thousands of visitors to the southern shores of Lake Simcoe for its outdoor recreation and 52 kilometres of shoreline. While visitors are here enjoying Georgina’s natural assets, the revenue they bring to the local economy is paramount for many Georgina businesses.

The Town received $276,000 from Central Counties Tourism (RTO6) to invest in its downtown business areas to make them a more welcoming and inviting place for tourists to shop, eat, visit and explore. We encourage you to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to see updates on these investments.

Georgina's agriculture community continues to thrive

Georgina's agriculture sector is thriving. The 2021 Census of Agriculture states that Georgina has more than 21,220 acres of farmland and 102 farms that have a total operating revenue of $17,389,939. Georgina is home to farms that have, for generations, contributed to the food supply for Ontario residents and beyond. 

We are home to ClearWater Farm, which provides experiential learning activities, sustainable growing and agri-preneur training, as well as a weekly Farmers' Market and many farm gate sales. The Town also runs the Field to Table Farm Tour in August and promotes agri-tourism businesses and partnerships through the Grown in Georgina campaign.

If you grow, raise or produce food and want to increase consumer awareness, connect with us to discuss opportunities.

Grant program provides more than 45K in funding to support events

Georgina recognizes the economic impact events have on the local community, which is why it offers grants through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Program and marketing support to event organizers. These events not only impact the businesses that are directly and indirectly involved but they help to build the Town's identity as a great place to live and visit. This year, to date, more than 45K in funding has been approved to support 20 events after two intakes.

These grants help to support events like the Georgina Studio Tour, Pefferlaw PAR Picnic, Georgina Marathon and Half Marathon, Military Day and more. Stay tuned to our events calendar at georgina.ca/events for dates and details.

Skills training programs and support help local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses

Small businesses make an enormous contribution to our economy. It is why we have made access to skills training a priority. If you are an entrepreneur with a great business idea or an established business looking to grow, we encourage you to connect with us to see how we can support you along your journey.

Sylvie from Creation Farms, a YSpace participant, tells us about her experience, "I have attended a lot of educational workshops led by the Town of East Gwillimbury, the Town of Georgina and York University. They’ve offered both virtual and in-person workshops that have been invaluable to our business, its vision, where we want to go and how to get there."

You, too, can be one of the hundreds of local entrepreneurs like Sylvie to benefit from YSpace programming, all at no cost to you. Let us help you make your entrepreneurship dreams a reality.

Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative is a new, cost-share initiative to help food processors lower their costs to be more competitive and sustainable.

Deadline: June 5, 2023

Funding amount: applicants can receive up to 20 per cent cost share for eligible costs, to a maximum of $300,000, per business. Eligible businesses can apply for support through this initiative starting on April 27, 2023.

For a full list of provincial and federal funding and support opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca/government-funding.

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.

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.

23721 HWY 48,

Georgina

$299,000

120 High St.,,

Sutton

$585,000

2100 Metro Rd. N.,

Jackson's Point

$185,000