Economic Development and Tourism News |
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The Town welcomes residents and visitors to rediscover Georgina this summer/fall |
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Georgina is a year-round destination for overnight stays and day trips, with visitors being drawn to the area for its proximity to the city and 52 kilometres of Lake Simcoe shoreline. With many marinas, tourism businesses, and accommodation options to choose from, Georgina is a lake experience destination that is expected to see more tourism sector growth as York Region and the greater Toronto area’s population increases.
The 2022 summer/fall tourism guide is a resource for residents and visitors to discover the events, activities, sites and businesses throughout Georgina. If you would like to have printed copies of the guide available to your customers to assist them in exploring and navigating town, connect with us at ed@georgina.ca.
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Are you a talented artist and resident of Georgina or Georgina Island? The Town of Georgina and York University’s YSpace invites local artists or teams of all ages to submit their artwork. The selected artist or team will create a mural on the interior wall of the new YSpace Georgina incubator/accelerator space, located at 1 Market St., Sutton.
We are passionate about supporting and promoting local artists and talent, and are excited about featuring original art at the new YSpace Georgina incubator/accelerator space. Our goal is to showcase the talents of local artists that reflect the culture, heritage, vibrancy and creativity of our town. All designs must be submitted by 8 p.m. E.S.T. on June 6, 2022.
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Get your business on the map |
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York Region Student Surveyors are out canvassing the Town to talk to business owners and count employees for the annual Employment Survey. By participating, businesses receive a free listing in York Region’s largest business directory. It also helps monitor local economic trends and forecast future transit and infrastructure needs. Please take five minutes to speak with the Student Surveyors this summer, or complete the survey online to guarantee your business listing.
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How to promote your tourism business or event |
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It can be overwhelming at times for tourism business owners and operators to know what resources are available to help promote their business to a wider market, so we've compiled a list of resources you can take advantage of to increase your exposure.
Event organizers can also benefit from these resources. All event organizers, including Town-supported events through the Community Betterment Grant Program, are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. For more information or support, connect with our office by email at ed@georgina.ca.
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Resident and business owner, Wei Hwa, shares why it was a lifestyle choice to move to Georgina |
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Choosing where to live and work is a lifestyle choice. Wei Hwa, a residential and commercial real estate broker, chose Georgina initially for a lifestyle change, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown living. His business soon followed.
“I chose Georgina because it was the closest municipality from Toronto where it offered a unique lifestyle that no others can. I wanted to be close to the water, have some acreage with easy access to the highway,” said Wei. Hear more from Wei on why Georgina is the place to move to and do business.
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Town of Georgina support programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
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Business Idea Consultations
The Idea Consultations program involves free one-on-one consultation services that connect entrepreneurs with the York University YSpace entrepreneurship team to understand how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can help business ideas come to life. Entrepreneurs will benefit from:
- Free one-on-one consultation with a business professional
- A defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs
- Access to additional support or mentorship via an ecosystem of volunteers through the local ecosystem of resources
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E-Commerce support
The Digital Main Street shopHERE program helps home-based and commercial businesses create an online store. Learn more and apply.
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Entrepreneurship training and funding for youth
Do you know a student aged 15-29 interested in entrepreneurship? Be your own boss this summer and get training, mentoring, and the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $3,000. Apply by May 31, 2022. Learn more.
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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.
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Rapid Antigen Screening kits
The Georgina Chamber of Commerce is distributing Rapid Antigen Screening kits to be used for self-screening in the workplace. The kits are available for free to small-and-medium businesses. To sign up, visit georginachamber.com.
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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.
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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.
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Featured Provincial and Federal Funding Opportunities |
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Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) is available to businesses, charities or not-for-profits that are in the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment and recreation sectors or organizations affected by a qualifying public health restriction. Through this program, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy, rent subsidy or both.
Apply by: Currently no stated application deadline.
Funding Amount: Up to 75 per cent of costs.
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program helps to get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business's operations. Two different funding streams are available - Boost Your Business Technology which covers up to 90 per cent of eligible costs of retaining the services of a digital advisor and Grow Your Business which helps businesses that haven't yet adopted digital technologies take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. The website offers a questionnaire to figure out which stream is right for you.
Apply by: Open until funds are used
Funding Amount: $2,400 or 90 percent of costs up to $15,000 depending on the stream
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Finding grants and funding opportunities available to business owners can be daunting. We've complied provincial and federal opportunities in one place to make it easier.
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Featured 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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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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