Economic Development and Tourism News
Initial steps made to consider the merger of Jackson's Point/Sutton Business Improvement Areas
Council received a report regarding the merging of the Sutton (42 properties) and Jackson’s Point (28 properties) Business Improvement Area (BIA) boards and the expansion of the BIA boundaries and approved the recommendations.

The merging of the two BIA boards will improve efficiencies, allow for more collaboration on initiatives and increase member resources. Expanding the BIA boundaries would add additional businesses including those in the Dalton Road and Baseline Road corridors. This will provide more Georgina businesses with access to the Town's Community Improvement Plan grants. Staff will proceed with the necessary steps to expand the boundaries in fall 2021.

Learn more about Georgina's business improvement areas and the benefits of owning a business within one.
Cohort two applications are now open for no-cost business program
Deadline to apply: Aug. 8, 2021
Do you own a local tourism or hospitality business and would like to increase your revenue streams, increase your marketing reach, or make your product offerings more competitive? Check out the new Business Bounce Back program created by York University’s YSpace in partnership with the Town of Georgina and East Gwillimbury.

This no-cost business training program is designed to help you enhance your business ideas and concepts, develop the necessary skills to grow, and provide you with valuable mentorship support.

Don’t miss this opportunity as spaces are limited! The deadline to apply for the second cohort is Aug. 8, 2021. Learn more about eligibility and expectations, and apply today at georgina.ca/BusinessBounceBack.
Expand your business by adopting digital technologies
Digital Main Street Grants Program renewed
To date, the Digital Transformation Grant program has successfully provided more than 3,800 Ontario main street small businesses with support and grants to purchase and adopt digital tools and technologies.

The grant provides $2,500 to qualifying brick-and-mortar small businesses to help cover the costs of adopting digital technologies. A major change to the Digital Transformation Grant from previous years is the new location criteria. Small businesses no longer need to be part of a zoned main street area to qualify, opening up the grant to thousands of additional businesses across the province.
Local Spotlight
Town's patio program helps businesses expand their dining area to serve more customers
Opening a business in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat, but the determined owners of Pinky’s Diner, Rob and Pinky, have continued to thrive one year after opening.

Opening in July 2020 with their temporary patio allowed Pinky and Rob to give first-time customers a feeling for the service and atmosphere of their restaurant. A year later, they are still grateful for the Temporary Patio Program as it allows them to extend their dining space to serve more customers.

Rob noted take-out orders were reducing in volume over the winter season. The temporary patio program allows for business to pick up again, and for customers to continue to enjoy their traditional diner food and all-day breakfast. Rob and Pinky also credit their continued success to their loyal, repeat customers who will eat anywhere from two to five meals at the diner a week. 

The feedback provided from the program is helping to lay the foundation for a permanent patio program to help continuing recovery efforts for the restaurant sector. 
Featured Properties
Are you looking for the perfect site to start or expand your business? Connect with us. We can help you find a location that will meet your needs and is zoned for your needs.
Jackson's Point
$1,500,000
Georgina
$1,888,000
Pefferlaw
$3,600,000

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
Georgina Farmers' Market
Sunday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Link in Sutton (20849 Dalton Rd.).

Field to Table Farm Tour
Saturday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local Business Support
As we continue to navigate the 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.
Georgina Business 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.
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.
Featured Funding Opportunities
Ontario Music Industry Initiative
50 per cent to a maximum of $300,000 per funding cycle. Application deadline: Oct. 28, 2021. Learn more
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Up to 50-75 per cent of expenses to a max of $1M in grants. Learn more
For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism