Economic Development and Tourism News
Town prepares to launch a new online directory celebrating locally made products
To highlight the many makers, growers and manufacturers of products made in Georgina, the Town is creating an online directory that will provide an additional platform for businesses to feature their products, giving more ways for residents and businesses to shop and support local. It also aims to foster an environment of collaboration between businesses as it will feature retailers who sell Georgina Made products.
Economic Development and Tourism support, grants and rebates
The Town of Georgina offers many programs to help achieve social, economic and cultural goals for our communities. Programs include grants, development rebates and operation expansion opportunities available to businesses and organizations, new and existing, from all sectors.

Economic recovery
Economic recovery grants and a development rebate are available to businesses and organizations throughout Georgina to help cover costs associated with COVID-19. Other support includes online marketing support through the Pivot Planning Squad and a Temporary Patio Program for restaurants to expand outdoor dining.

Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) businesses
Businesses in the Town's three designated BIA areas are eligible to apply for the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program's four streams that provide grants for facade, heritage, landscape and accessibility improvements. Businesses can also apply for the COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan program or the Patio Grant Program that helps to cover costs associated with the pandemic.

Developers
The Development Application Rebate Program provides developers in the industrial, commercial (excluding retail and service commercial) and institutional sectors a rebate to reduce financial burden. Developers also have the benefit of going through the Town's Business Class Program, designed to assist businesses with the planning and development process.

Event organizers
The Community Betterment Grant Program supports festivals and events that serve to promote the Town to markets outside Georgina, generate economic opportunities for the local business community and provide for the betterment of the community.
New Banner Program to add local art to Georgina's downtown areas
Art students, artists and designers in the Town of Georgina are invited to submit proposals to design street banners that will be displayed in downtown areas this summer/fall. The new Banner Program will showcase local artists' talents and reflect the culture, heritage, vibrancy, and creativity of our town. The successful six designs selected will receive an honorarium of $150 and their submissions will be promoted on the Town's website.
York Region launches Innovation Portal
The portal is the official online hub of York Region’s innovation and startup ecosystem. It’s where you can find jobs, learn about events and read exciting news from throughout York Region. Whether you’re in the early stages or want to scale-up your existing venture, York Region is the place to launch your next big idea.
Entrepreneurship program for students accepting applications
Aspiring student entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 to 29, registered to return to school in September, are invited to apply for York Small Business Enterprise Centre's Summer Company. Participants will receive hands-on training and skills development, coaching, mentorship and the opportunity to receive financial support of up to $3,000.
Local Spotlight
Natasha Richardson CPA Professional Corporation
Economic recovery program helps cover costs associated with COVID-19
Natasha Richardson, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Uptown Keswick, opened her storefront location at 183 Simcoe Ave. on March 1, 2020, one week before the first pandemic lockdown. 
 
Natasha has worked in public accounting since the start of her career (for more than 25 years). She is a long-time resident and an active member of the community.  

Since most of her clients still prefer to meet in person, Natasha has taken the necessary steps to ensure their well-being by implementing COVID-19 health and safety protocols that the Town's COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan program assisted with. 

Whether you’re a self-employed business owner or a corporation looking for the know-how to guide you to business profitability, Natasha Richardson CPA Professional Corporation is open for business. Learn more by visiting nhrcpa.ca or contact Natasha by calling 1-833-470-1334 or emailing [email protected]
Local Economic Recovery Support
For links to regional, provincial and federal resources, visit yorklink.ca
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.
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.
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.
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 temporary patio program. Learn more.
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.
Training
Free webinars
April 7 at 9:30 a.m.
April 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Featured Properties
Keswick
$139,000
Pefferlaw
$1,100,000
Keswick
$3,700,000

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.
Events
2021 Wonder Women: Women in Business Conference
Registration for a full day of education, creativity, collaboration and connection is now open. Hosted by the East Gwillimbury and Georgina Chambers of Commerce on Friday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get tickets.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism