Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Tourism and hospitality program launches to assist with economic recovery |
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In partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University's YSpace, we are launching the Business Bounce Back program. It will deliver a series of workshops over the next year to support businesses and individuals who are primarily but not exclusively, within the hospitality and tourism sector who require the entrepreneurial and digital skills needed to pivot their existing business or create a new venture. The program will provide founders with the tools, skills, and connections they need to scale and thrive in the industry.
The Business Bounce Back program will be broken down into three cohorts, with each cohort spanning a three-month period. The participants are expected to dedicate the necessary time and effort and use the education skills provided to create new revenue opportunities for their existing or new business.
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Faster and more reliable internet for businesses and residents in Georgina |
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It is the Town's vision that all businesses and residents have access to affordable and reliable broadband connectivity options at the service levels they require based on technology advancements, private market forces and funding commitments from senior levels of government.
Considerable progress has been made in bringing this vision to fruition:
- YorkNet’s dark fibre network has been established in Udora with two service providers now rolling out fibre to the home for residents in the area.
- The Udora Community Hall is now connected to fibre and offers complimentary Wi-Fi (inside and outside) to residents and visitors.
- YorkNet’s dark fibre network has been brought to the Civic Centre and the Georgina Ice Palace with the connections planned for later this year.
- Provincial and federal grant funding applications were submitted by broadband providers to expand connectivity in Georgina.
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Taste of Georgina is back! |
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Deadline to apply: July 30, 2021 |
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Georgina's food establishments are invited to apply to participate in the Town's summer edition of Taste of Georgina (three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus) that will run between Sept. 10 and Sept. 26.
The first Taste of Georgina takeout event was launched earlier this year in February, giving local restaurants support during the pandemic when indoor dining was not allowed. The 10 participating businesses throughout Georgina reported more than 28K in revenue overall and many new customers.
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Be ready to welcome customers! |
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Georgina's Temporary Patio Program is available to all dining establishments |
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The Temporary Patio Program, which is available to all dining establishments throughout Georgina, assists with building new or expanding existing outdoor dining areas/patios to increase seating capacity while still maintaining social distancing. Business owners are encouraged to complete the no-cost application to be ready when the time is right to open. |
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COVID-19 grant helps Sutton business sell online |
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Village Traditions/Village Business Services in Sutton |
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Village Traditions/Village Business Services at 99 High St. in Sutton has been serving the community for more than 30 years. The store sells giftware, garden items, clothing and other boutique items. It also offers business services, office supplies, printing, shipping and more.
COVID-19 shutdowns affected the business, which drove the owner, Shauna, to look into eCommerce options that would allow customers to be able to purchase items online. She reached out to the Town, who linked her with Digital Main Street, which offers a no-cost program funded by the provincial and federal governments to set up an online store. “They helped me get my online shop running so people can now see what I have. It has also made our items available to a larger market,” said Shauna.
The business also received funding through the Town’s COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan grant to help cover the costs associated with linking its inventory system with the new Shopify account.
Shauna is thankful for the assistance and also for the community’s continued support. “It has been a tough year. Everyone is committed to shopping local. Thank you to everyone in our community for showing their support,” she said.
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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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Local Economic Recovery Support |
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As we continue to navigate this pandemic together, know our team is available to discuss your challenges and guide you to programs, resources or funding opportunities you may not be aware of. Connect with us.
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Georgina COVID-19 Business Support Programs
Business support programs have been extended until the end of 2021 for Georgina businesses. The programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
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Digital Main Street programs
Digital Transformation Grant, Digital Service Squad Program and DMS shopHERE. All programs involve free support in helping businesses expand their digital presence. Learn more.
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Marketing support for Georgina businesses
The Town of Georgina's Pivot Planning Squad offers no-cost marketing support for small businesses in Georgina to help pivot their operations. Request consult.
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Free professional services
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.
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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.
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For links to regional, provincial and federal support resources, visit yorklink.ca.
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Sunday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Link in Sutton (20849 Dalton Rd.).
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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