Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Development activity is increasing in Georgina |
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With the trend in remote work shifting how we work and live, the Town of Georgina is now on many future resident's and investor's radars. During Development Service’s semi-annual update presentation to Council, staff commented on the increase of development applications in the first quarter of 2021 over previous years, which in part are a result of this trend.
Applications currently going through approvals include 23,970 square metres of ICI (industrial and commercial) development, more than 4,000 residential dwellings and four senior living facilities. The Town’s close proximity to major urban centres combined with its lakeside living, make Georgina a desirable place to live and work.
If you are an investor considering opportunities in Georgina, connect with us. Our Business Class Program is designed to assist you with the planning and development process. It ensures you are assisted to the greatest extent possible from the initial meeting through the development application process.
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Georgina Farmers' Market to open for 2021 season |
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With support from the Town, the Georgina Farmers’ Market will be opening for its sixth season at the Link in Sutton on May 23 at 9 a.m. with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.
The Georgina Farmers’ Market will operate every Sunday until Oct. 3, 2021, and have more than 30 vendors who sell a wide range of local products, including produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. Many popular vendors will be returning this year, along with some new ones such as fish, pizza and ready-made charcuterie boards, to name a few.
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Five reasons to get involved in your BIA or start a business in a BIA |
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A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area that work in partnership with the Town to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, tourists, new businesses and residents.
Each BIA is governed by a board that works together on behalf of the businesses, with the municipality’s support, to address issues and determine how the funds collected from each business annually should go towards beautification, marketing, events or other strategies.
Georgina has three BIAs with locations in Jackson’s Point (est. 1992), Keswick (est. 2014) and Sutton (est. 1995), representing more than 150 storefront businesses.
Read our latest blog to learn more about the top five reasons to get involved in your BIA or start a business in a BIA.
- Access to funding opportunities
- Partnerships and networking opportunities
- Ability to shape your community
- Increased marketing opportunities
- Increased business exposure
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Is your business affected by tourism? |
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The Georgina Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Georgina are developing a series of workshops designed to assist tourism-related businesses with recovery efforts. Not sure if you are a tourism-related business? Tourism businesses include restaurants, resorts and golf courses, but also include gas stations, grocery stores – any business that is affected by local exploration or visitors.
We know you may be Zoomed out, which is why we need your help to determine exactly what you need to assist with recovery so we can assemble the information and support required into short one-hour workshops. If you are too busy to attend (we get it!), each workshop will be recorded and available to watch at a later time. Tell us your most immediate needs for recovery in this short survey.
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Sutton business gets a facelift with help from Town grant |
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Ride the Wind Ebikes in Sutton |
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Jolene Semenchenko, the owner of Ride the Wind Ebikes, has installed new signage at 163 High St. in the Sutton BIA with help from the Town’s Community Improvement Plan Program.
After falling in love with Ebikes, Jolene opened her business in 2017. Over the past few years, the Ebike trend has picked up speed, with more and more people ditching their usual means of travel. She was on to something and now her business is flourishing. Jolene offers service, parts and delivers across Canada. To get you riding the wind sooner, financing is also available. Revolutionize your commute and check them out at ridethewindebikes.ca.
The Facade Building Grant promotes the redesign of existing building façades to enhance the image of the area. The grant is up to a maximum of $5,000 or 50 per cent of the improvement cost. Any business within Georgina’s three designated business improvement areas (BIA) is eligible for the program.
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Another way to stay connected with us! |
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No need to wait every two weeks for the latest Business and Tourism news in Georgina, you can now find us on Instagram. If you choose Georgina to work, live or play, share why with your followers and use the hashtag #ChooseGeorgina.
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Georgina Business Collaboration Workshop |
Connect and network with fellow businesses on Mon., May 31 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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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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*** New funding opportunity *** |
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The Ontario government is providing one‐time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to support eligible small tourism and travel businesses struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through the new $100-million Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant.
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Sunday, May 23 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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