Economic Development and Tourism News | |
Georgina wins 2025 Municipality of the Year from Festival and Events Ontario | |
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The Town of Georgina has been selected as the winner of the Municipality of the Year Award, presented by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO), for the population category of less than 50,000. The signature Town-run event SnoFest, the grand opening event at the Multi-Use Recreation Complex (MURC) and the third-party Town-supported event, the Georgina Marathon and Half-Marathon, were just a few of the events highlighted as shining examples of the community’s achievements. Winning this award highlights Georgina as a premier destination for top-tier events in Ontario.
Georgina’s Field to Table event was also recognized in the Top 100 Award which acknowledges industry excellence. This annual event celebrates Georgina’s agricultural heritage, showcases local farmers and supports agri-tourism.
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Support for businesses navigating the impact of tariffs | |
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The Town of Georgina stands with our local businesses as we navigate the tariffs implemented by the U.S. Government. We understand these tariffs will impact businesses throughout York Region and Georgina — not only affecting supply chains but also their ability to sustain employment opportunities that so many of our residents depend on.
Our team is here to support your business through these challenges. Connect with us, access valuable information and register for webinars at choosegeorgina.ca/BusinessSupport.
In partnership with the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, we are also working to amplify the "shop local" message through targeted campaigns. Additionally, we are collaborating with the Region and neighbouring municipalities to assess the impacts on our business community and identify the best ways to provide support.
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Expressions of Interest being accepted for Vendors in the Park Program | |
In 2024, the Town launched the Vendors in the Beach Pilot Program, which enhanced the visitor experience at some of its destination parks and created a revenue opportunity for vendors. The Town is continuing this program in 2025 for refreshment/food vehicles, carts and vendors at De La Salle Park and Willow Beach, and accepting expressions of interest. Showcase your offerings to our vibrant community and visitors. Express your interest by the April 11 deadline. | |
Free digital skills educational workshop series accepting registrations | |
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Digital Skills for Business continues through to April. The program is a free-of-charge educational workshop series that focuses on building the presence of your business online. Discover how to establish or elevate your business using online platforms and eliminate the digital gap.
In-person workshops in Georgina and East Gwillimbury and virtual sessions are open for registration. Learn more and register for one or multiple workshops at georgina.ca/YSpace.
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Ways to promote your tourism business and event
We've compiled a list of valuable resources you can take advantage of to increase your business or event exposure. View.
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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.
Networking
Looking for networking opportunities in 2025? Check out the Georgina Chamber of Commerce. Learn more.
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Featured Program Opportunities | | |
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Summer Company
Are you a student looking to kickstart your own business this summer? The York Small Business Enterprise Centre can help. If you’re aged 15-29 and live in northern York Region, you can receive training, mentoring, and up to $3,000 in start-up funding to launch your business. Gain essential entrepreneurial skills and make your business dreams a reality through the Summer Company program. Spots are limited and fill up fast, so apply now! Learn more and apply.
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Hardware Catalyst Initiative
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI) at ventureLAB is your gateway to world-class support, cutting-edge labs and expert mentorship to help you transform your hardware technology into a market-ready product. Located in York Region, the HCI lab is Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies. The competitive program is offered at no cost and with no equity requirement to eligible companies. To join the next cohort, apply before March 10, 2025 Learn more and apply.
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Featured Financial Opportunities | |
Central Counties Tourism Partnership Program
The Central Counties Tourism Partnership Program is an annual matching-funds program designed to financially support stakeholders in building capacity and driving growth in the visitor economy. It is open to tourism business, organizations and event organizers within the regions of York, Durham or Headwaters to support their tourism-focused projects occurring within these boundaries during the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Learn more.
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York Region Tourism Fund
Funds of up to $5,000.00 (CAD) per project will be available to support community-based tourism events. Funding requests will be considered and allocated based on evaluation from the Fund Review Committee. Consideration will be given to new projects that meet the following objective: Delivery of events, product packages and thematic campaigns that support tourism arts and culture in York Region. 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 180,000 sq. ft. is currently available for lease. Learn more. | | | |
Featured properties for lease, rent or 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
Join Ali Stoffels, founder of Rec Gym Pros, at YSpace Georgina in Sutton on March 13 as she shares her entrepreneurial journey—what inspired her, the challenges she faced and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. To register, please email YSpace Business Entrepreneurship Coordinator, Negin at nkhorasani@georgina.ca.
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Hidden Gems: Library Online Resources to Boost Your Business
This session is designed to help business professionals harness the power of LinkedIn for professional development and career growth. Join us in person at 1 Market St. in Sutton on March 13 from 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. to unlock the full potential of LinkedIn Learning and other online platforms to achieve your business goals. This event will be facilitated by Ruth Berry, eServices Library Technician at Georgina Public Library. Learn more and register.
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Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of US Tariffs on Ontario's Food and Beverage Industry
Join Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) virtually on March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for an in-depth discussion on the potential impact of US tariffs on Ontario’s food and beverage sector. With global trade tensions rising and economic uncertainty looming, industry leaders must stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions.
This webinar will provide key insights from economic and industry experts to help businesses understand the evolving trade landscape, assess risks, and explore strategies for navigating potential challenges. Learn more and register.
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AI and Small Business
As the business world embraces digital transformation, “AI for small business” is not just a trend but a necessity. Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a complex tech jargon into an invaluable asset for businesses of all sizes. In this workshop, the facilitators will delve into demystifying AI and offer straightforward insights into harnessing this technology for growth and efficiency. Don't miss out on this learning opportunity with Jon Stewart, Calumet Media and South Lake Futures to stay ahead of the curve and take your business to the next level with AI. Register for this virtual session on Thursday, March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn more and register.
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Taste of Georgina
The Taste of Georgina is an annual culinary celebration that invites food lovers to explore the diverse and delicious dining experiences our town has to offer. From Feb. 29 to March 9, 2025, participating restaurants will serve up specially crafted three-course prix fixe menus at irresistible price points, giving you the perfect opportunity to savour everything from comforting classics to bold new flavours. Learn more.
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Discover Georgina Show
Showcase your business or organization to Georgina residents and visitors at this exciting two-day event happening on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Georgina Ice Palace, 90 Wexford Dr., Keswick. Learn more.
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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. | | | | |
