Economic Development and Tourism News
Town extends and revises COVID-19 business support programs
On Wed., Jan. 26, 2022, Council approved the extension and revisions of the COVID-19 economic recovery programs until Dec. 31, 2022.

The programs, established in 2020, were created to assist businesses and community organizations in the municipality facing a number of challenges related to the need for additional technology and software, loss of revenue and the need for additional health and safety protocols. The programs that have been extended and revised include:

COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grants
For: Business Improvement Area (BIA) Businesses

The COVID-19 CIP grants can cover renovations to address the COVID-19 pandemic (50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $3,000), technology and or digital enhancements (50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $1,500) or costs associated with constructing a temporary patio (50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $2,000).

Revision to program: the technology stream has been expanded to include the cost of computer equipment and or technological devices/subscriptions to enable e-commerce options or functionality of online business operations. It has also been expanded to include costs associated with digital marketing or consultant fees to assist with online communication.

COVID-19 Building Permit Application Fee Rebate Program
For: All businesses (Town wide)

This funding opportunity recognizes that businesses during this time are required to retrofit their establishments to address COVID-19 related protocols and upgrade commercial spaces, which may necessitate the submission of a building permit. Businesses can receive a 50 per cent rebate from building permit fees to a maximum of $3,000.

Temporary Patio Program
For: All businesses (Town wide)

The Temporary Patio Program was created to assist restaurants throughout the municipality with recovery efforts. Restaurant establishments that wish to build a new or expand an existing patio must complete an application that will be reviewed in consultation with Town staff from the Development Services and Operations and Infrastructure Department. Businesses within an identified Business Improvement Area are eligible to receive a grant to assist with the costs of constructing their temporary patio.
Georgina's development incentive program expands to include more sectors
On Wed., Jan. 26, 2022, Council approved a revision to the Development Application Rebate Program. Previously available to industrial and institutional development applications, the application fee rebate is now eligible to all business sectors, including tourism, agricultural and commercial.

The Development Application Fee Rebate Program aims to encourage development and redevelopment by reducing the financial burden on landowners and business owners expanding/relocating or creating new businesses.

The expansion of this program to additional sectors is aligned with the provincial and federal programs that focus on revitalizing community main streets, tourism and hospitality sectors, and developing the agri-tourism sector.
Town launches winter tourism guide
While Georgina may be known for its summer recreation, it may be even better known for its winter activities on and off the ice. The new winter guide showcases the outdoor fun, shopping and dining experiences the Town has to offer.
Taste of Georgina event set to showcase the Town's diverse cuisine this winter
The Taste of Georgina event launched as a pilot project in February 2021 to support local dining establishments during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was a successful event that brought more than 28K in revenue to local restaurants limited to take-out.

This winter, the event will feature many of the same restaurants, and some new ones, offering Prix-fix menus at set price points. Join us between Feb. 18 and March 6 as we heat things up to support local restaurants and showcase the diverse cuisine Georgina has to offer.
Local Spotlight
Business Bounce Back program gives local entrepreneurs skills to pivot and grow
In partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University's Yspace, the Business Bounce Back Program was launched to offer educational training for businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector. 

The program focused on entrepreneurs at the beginning stages and established companies struggling during the pandemic. Each of the three cohorts spanned three months, providing free virtual educational training and mentorship.

“Education is never a waste of time. Sometimes having a program put together for you helps you see what is missing or needs improvement. That was the biggest takeaway for me. A fresh set of eyes in a sole proprietorship is always beneficial,” said Lorraine Bennett, owner of Cozy Mitts by Lorraine.

Learn more about how the program helped Georgina's entrepreneurs in our blog at georgina.ca/BusinessNews.
Featured Online Webinars
Does your business have an online store? The Digital Main Street ShopHERE program helps you create and configure an online store and shows you how to manage it. Tune in to Digital Main Street's webinar on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Register.
For a full list of upcoming webinars, visit yorklink.ca.
Local Business Support
How to promote your business in Georgina
How to promote your tourism business
Our team has compiled a list of resources tourism-sector businesses can take advantage of to increase their exposure.
Georgina Business Financial Support Programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
Professional Services Access Program
The Northern York Region Professional Services Access Program provides eligible businesses with access to free professional advice, including legal, financial, marketing and more. Learn more.
York Small Business Centre one-on-one consultations
During a free one-hour consultation, you will be provided with the information you need to succeed and grow your business. Learn more.
Digital Main Street shopHERE Program
The Digital Main Street shopHERE program helps home-based and commercial businesses create an online store. Join the other 33 Georgina businesses that took advantage of this program in 2021. Learn more and apply.
COVID-19 Response Fund
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.
Funding Opportunities
Provincial and federal funding opportunities
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.  
For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
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
$179,900
Keswick
$59,900
Sutton
$4,499,000

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.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism