Economic Development and Tourism News
Entrepreneurs take advantage of free skills development training
In late June, a series of nine entrepreneurship training workshops was launched to assist new or established entrepreneurs with topics that covered business planning, marketing and social media and business operations. The program, Business Foundations, was a success, with more than 200 participants taking advantage of the no-cost programming delivered by York University’s YSpace.

More programming has been announced that will continue to support entrepreneurship in the Town of Georgina and surrounding areas. Business Plan Bootcamp, an eight-week program starting Oct. 17, will help aspiring or existing business owners write and develop their business plans. Participants will learn from weekly on-demand workshops, meet with mentors and network with other business owners.

Applications are now open to entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations and the surrounding area. Applications close on Oct. 10, 2022.
Farms welcomed residents and visitors during the Town's annual agricultural event
On Aug. 20, nine farmers at eight locations welcomed 400+ residents and visitors to their properties to learn about agriculture and purchase farm fresh products. The day brought many new customers to the farms and helped bring awareness to Georgina's thriving agriculture community. Wagon rides, food demonstrations, musical entertainment, barbeque, vendors, the list of fun and educational activities goes on. It was a great day for everyone involved.
Learn about how the Town is supporting agriculture in Georgina at georgina.ca/agri-tourism.
Conference welcomed more than 150 telecommunications industry professionals
The Town of Georgina welcomed attendees from throughout Canada and internationally to the 2022 Rural and Remote Community Broadband Conference at the Ramada Resort in Jackson’s Point from Sept. 7-9, 2022. Georgina is one of three locations in Canada selected to host the conference this year.

It allowed those in the industry to better understand rural and remote broadband challenges, engage with stakeholders and explore options to collaborate to find effective solutions.
Georgina job fair coordinated to help residents seek local career opportunities
In conjunction with the Georgina Community Action Table, Employment and Income Generation Working Group, Routes Connecting Communities Inc., the Georgina Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Georgina are holding a Georgina Job Fair at the Link on Thurs., Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This is an opportunity for job seekers to connect with hiring companies, municipalities and employment services offered in York Region.
Supporting Georgina's Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
Georgina has three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) with locations in Jackson’s Point (est. 1992), Keswick (est. 2014) and Sutton (est. 1995), representing more than 150 storefront businesses. Since 2015, the Town has offered grants to businesses within these areas through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes streams to enhance façade, landscaping, accessibility and heritage building improvements. 

The Town also supports the downtowns through board representation, streetscaping and banner programs, marketing support and by being the communication link between the businesses and municipal departments on initiatives that affect the business community.

Over the coming weeks, Town representatives will be visiting each BIA, going storefront to storefront to engage with businesses on how the Town can support them. If you own a business within a BIA or are interested in owning a business in one and want to learn more, connect with us at [email protected].
Local Business Support
Town of Georgina support programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
Entrepreneurship programs
The Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury are continuing a partnership with York University’s YSpace to deliver a two-year Business Incubator/Accelerator pilot project to support entrepreneurs and economic growth during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Learn more and register.
Digital support and transformation grant
Digital Main Street programs support small businesses looking to sell online or enhance their digital technology. Learn more.
Online resources for businesses in York Region
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 create product prototypes to business incubators providing support and guidance. Learn more.
Financial support and guidance
South Lake Futures has established the COVID-19 Response Fund to offer loans below prime rate to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. Learn more.
Georgina's Economic Development Officer, Sean Columbus, is available to guide you to programs, resources or funding opportunities you may not be aware of. Connect with him.
Featured 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.
Keswick
$668,000
Georgina
$6,880,000
Pefferlaw
$799,000

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.
Events
Wonder Woman: Women in Business Conference
The Georgina Chamber of Commerce’s Wonder Woman Conference is back and in person. Register for the full-day lineup on Sept. 23, which includes a continental breakfast, a keynote speaker, panel discussion with like-minded professionals, lunch and a variety of female-driven workshops in the afternoon.
Summer Saturdays at Clearwater Farm
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1614 Metro Rd. N., Willow Beach
Georgina Farmers' Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
20849 Dalton Rd., Sutton
Harvestfest
Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Georgina Pioneer Village, 26557 Civic Centre Rd., Keswick
High Street Sidewalk Sale and Vendor Market
Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Historic Downtown Sutton
Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow
Sept. 24 and 25
20798 Dalton Rd., Sutton
Georgina Studio Tour
Sept. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various locations throughout Georgina
Live Love Laugh Music Festival
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
Briars Resort and Spa, 55 Hedge Rd., Jackson's Point
For a full list of upcoming events, visit georgina.ca/events.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism