Economic Development and Tourism News | |
Georgina and partners plan a week of events to celebrate and grow small businesses | |
Did you know more than 98 per cent of businesses in Canada are small businesses? While they may be small, their contribution is enormous. This coming Small Business Week, Oct. 21 to 25, the Town of Georgina and local organizations and business stakeholders have assembled a whole week of events to celebrate and help small businesses grow. Check out the full lineup of events at georginachamber.com/SBW. | |
Free program for entrepreneurs to develop a business plan is accepting applications | |
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, receive bi-weekly one-on-one support and network with other business owners. This program is offered online and in person. Applications close on Oct. 13. | |
Georgina selected as host community for EDCO's 2025 regional event | |
The Town of Georgina is proud to announce its selection as one of four host communities for the 2025 Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Regional Professional Development Events. Each year, EDCO opens a call for regional community hosts, and through a careful selection process, only four communities are chosen to host these significant events. Along with Georgina, the 2025 regional events will be held in Sudbury, Rideau Lakes and Brantford.
This full-day event will bring together 50 to 70 economic development professionals from both the public and private sectors, offering a regional focus on current issues, trends, and initiatives shaping the future of economic development in Ontario.
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Nominate a business or organization for a Business Excellence Award | Every year, the Town of Georgina and the Georgina Chamber of Commerce come together to celebrate business with the Business Excellence Awards and the Mayor and Council's Milestone Awards where we toast to businesses' success and contribution in our community. Now is the time to nominate a business or organization doing amazing work right here in Georgina. Nominations for the Chamber's Business Excellence Awards close on Oct. 4. | |
Brouwer Kesmac: A local legacy with a global impact on the Town of Georgina | |
For more than 50 years, Brouwer Kesmac has transformed from a small sod farm into a global leader in turf equipment manufacturing right here in the Town of Georgina.
From pioneering the first tractor-mounted sod harvester in the 1970s to revolutionizing turf harvesting technology today, its commitment to innovation has shaped the industry. With 19 unique products and operations spanning the globe, Brouwer Kesmac continues to put Georgina on the map!
The company's impact goes beyond machinery. As one of the area's largest employers, it has created countless job opportunities, injecting vitality into our local economy.
Economic Development staff and members of Council had the privilege of touring the Brouwer Kesmac manufacturing facility in August 2024 to learn more about the company's operations. Thanks to the Brouwer family and their team for sharing their story and insight into the turf care industry.
Learn about Brouwer Kesmac and its impact in our blog at choosegeorgina.ca/blog.
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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.
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Featured Support Opportunities | |
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Expert advice
Unlock support for your business through PSAP. The York Small Business Enterprise Centre's Northern York Region Professional Services Access Program (PSAP) offers eligible businesses complimentary access to expert advice to help you make informed business and financial decisions. Through the program, you can receive a consultation with professionals in one of five areas. Learn more and apply.
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One-on-one Consultations
Free one-on-one consultation services that connect entrepreneurs with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can help your idea come to life. The program provides a free one-on-one consultation with a business professional, a defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs and access to additional support or mentorship. Request consultation.
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Agricultural Stewardship Initiative
As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) provides cost-share funding to support farmers to accelerate the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) supporting soil health, water quality and productivity benefits on agricultural land across Ontario. 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 300,000 sq. ft. is currently available for lease. Learn more. | | | |
Featured businesses and 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 business. | |
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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Lunch and Learn at the Link: Health and Wellness in the Workplace
Join the Georgina Chamber of Commerce for an in-person Lunch and Learn at the Link on Wednesday, Oct. 9, between noon and 1:30 p.m., to discuss Health and Wellness in the Workplace with special guests. Learn more and register.
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Thursday Thrive: Weekly networking sessions
All business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join us on Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 1 Market St. in Sutton to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and enjoy local refreshments. No registration is required. Learn more about YSpace business programming.
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Culture, Economic and Community Betterment Grant recipient events | |
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ClearWater Farm Harvest Celebration
On Saturday, Oct. 5, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., you're invited to bring your family and friends for a day of fall family fun and community spirit at ClearWater Farm amid the beautiful autumn scenery on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Enjoy shopping at a seasonal farm stand and local makers, harvest-themed family photo sessions and art activities, good food and drinks (including a festival beer garden), and more. Learn more.
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Georgina Farmers' Market
The final Georgina Farmers' Market of the season will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Link in Sutton from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It has more than 40 vendors that sell a wide range of local products, including produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. Learn more.
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Georgina Mystic Fair
Embark on a mystical journey on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Link in Sutton from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to strike up conversations with fellow fairgoers, share stories and exchange knowledge. Experience and indulge in mouthwatering delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and provide sustenance for your mystical adventure. Learn more.
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Sponsorship and advertising opportunities
Maximize your brand's visibility and impact by partnering with the Town of Georgina through tailored sponsorship opportunities, crafted to seamlessly align with your business goals and resonate within our dynamic community. Learn more at choosegeorgina.ca/DoBusiness.
Request for Expression of Interest - The ROC Cafeteria Concession
The Town of Georgina welcomes expressions of interest from those interested in submitting proposals to operate a Town-owned commercial cafeteria concession at the Recreational Outdoor Campus (the ROC) cafeteria during the 2024 – 2025 winter season operations. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 18, 2024. 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. | |
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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