Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Town continues to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic |
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Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Town of Georgina has been quick to recognize the needs of our business community and the important role each one, big and small, plays in our economy.
We established an Economic Recovery Team (ERT) that developed six recovery programs, brought awareness to internal and external support available to businesses through multiple communication channels and connected with business owners one-on-one to see how we can best support their specific needs.
This past year, the ERT extended the recovery programs and launched the Business Bounce Back Program in partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University. This program has provided more than 72 established and start-up businesses with the tools and mentorship needed to recover, expand and succeed in today's business environment.
The latest restrictions are another hit to our businesses that will require additional support. As we review our recovery programs for 2022, we encourage you to follow our Facebook and Instagram channels for news and opportunities that can support your business/organization.
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New provincial government support measures announced |
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The Ontario government announced new support measures for many of the businesses most impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant. The measures include:
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Eligible businesses will receive rebate payments equivalent to 50 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to the current capacity limits. Examples of businesses that will be eligible for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program include restaurants, smaller retail stores and gyms. Online applications for this program will open on January 18, 2022.
Penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes
A six-month interest- and penalty-free period will be provided to businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes while capacity restrictions are in place. The six-month period will begin Jan. 1, 2022, and end July 1, 2022.
Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant
For eligible small businesses with less than 100 employees subject to closures as a result of the province’s move to the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will receive a grant of $10,000.
Electricity-rate relief
Ontario businesses, workers and families spending more time at home will be provided with electricity-rate relief for 21 days starting at 12:01 am on Tues., Jan. 18, 2022. Electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate.
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Access free support to enhance your online presence |
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Revenue from in-person shopping has taken a hit throughout this pandemic, whereas online purchasing has seen a dramatic increase. With lockdowns continuing to put a strain on in-store purchases, relying on a new revenue stream, or dare we say "pivoting," may be necessary to stay afloat. Consumer behaviours have had to change, which means businesses must as well.
Setting up a website or an online store can be daunting. We get it. Running a business and finding the time to research and invest can be overwhelming. Luckily, there is free support available. Let us help you. We will connect with you one-on-one (virtually), review your online presence and provide you with suggestions and connections to programs that can help you through your pivot.
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Calling all Georgina restaurants |
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It's time to spice things up again and showcase the tastes of Georgina. We are putting a call out to Georgina's restaurants that would like to be featured during our two-week event this winter. Learn more and submit your interest at georgina.ca/TasteofGeorgina.
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Downtown business brings arts and culture to Uptown Keswick |
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Walking through Uptown Keswick after getting a coffee one day, Janet noticed a vacant storefront for rent. With a fine arts education, Janet called her sister-in-law Leah, an early childhood educator, and started talking with her about the idea of making a creative space in Georgina. Both creative types, Leah and Janet combined their ideas to make Artist Approach Studio. Read more to learn now Janet and Leah brought their business idea to life, how they've collaborated with other local businesses and navigated the pandemic.
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Strategize to reach your 2022 goals. Join South Lake Futures and Colada Marketing on Jan. 10 for a free webinar that aims to help small businesses owners and entrepreneurs learn the foundations of developing an effective marketing strategy. Register.
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From building a business plan to finding partners, this free webinar series walks you through the ins and outs of vertical farming. Register.
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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.
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Georgina Business Financial 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative
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. Note: due to the current provincial shortage, your business will be added to a waitlist.
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Featured Funding Opportunities |
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Regional, provincial and federal support |
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Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy
This program helps cover a portion of co-op, recent graduates, and youth hiring costs. This program provides up to 50 per cent of minimum wage for private/public sector employers and up to 100 per cent of minimum wage for non-profit applicants. Learn more.
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Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a federal program that supports Canadian economies for consistent growth and jobs creation amidst COVID-19 setbacks. The JGF includes up to $70 million for small businesses established after January 2020. Successful applicants may access up to 50-90 per cent of costs for economic growth projects. Learn more.
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Business Scale-up and Productivity Program
Helps to offset upfront project costs and helps southern Ontario businesses grow more quickly. Access repayable funding for up to 35 per cent of project costs to a maximum of $10M. Learn more.
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For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
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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 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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