Economic Development and Tourism News
Local Food Newsletter
Georgina's agri-food sector is a thriving contributor to our local economy. Check out our Local Food Newsletter to learn about the projects and events the Town has implemented to support the businesses that supply sustainable products in our community. In it, you'll find some of our farmer's favourite recipes, how and where to purchase products, business collaborations and more.
Deadline to apply: Dec. 31, 2021
As we begin to wind down another unprecedented year, we want to remind our businesses and organizations the Town's COVID-19 grants and development rebate are still available to support recovery, subject to available funds, until Dec. 31, 2021.

Non-for-profit/charitable organizations
Maximum of $1000 per month for a three-month period to assist organizations that are facing a loss of revenue and the cost of maintaining their location by defraying the monthly lease costs for bricks and mortar not-for-profit and charitable organizations. Only first-time submissions will be reviewed.

Downtown business improvement area businesses
The COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan Program grants can cover renovations to address the COVID-19 pandemic (50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $3,000) or technology enhancements (50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $1,500).

Development rebate for all businesses
This funding opportunity recognizes that businesses during this time are required to retrofit their establishments to address COVID-19 related protocols and upgrade commercial spaces which may necessitate the submission of a building permit. Businesses can receive a 50 per cent rebate from building permit fees to a maximum of $3,000.
Georgina celebrates Small Business Week
During Small Business Week, Oct. 17 to 23, there are many events and training opportunities for businesses to get involved in. Check out the calendar of events through the Georgina Chamber of Commerce's community event calendar, which includes an invite to meet successful business owners from the Business Bounce Back program.


Mayor and Council's Milestone Awards
Since 2016, the Town has celebrated businesses and their families that have operated in Georgina for generations with the Mayor and Council’s Milestone Awards. This year, we are celebrating businesses that have been in operation for more than 30 years.

The announcement of the milestone recipients will be announced by the Mayor during the Georgina Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards on Oct. 21. You can also tune in to Council at 9 a.m. on Oct. 27 to hear a formal presentation as we celebrate seven businesses that have made an impact on our community for generations.

Don't forget to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to see photos of Council present the awards.
Experience York Region launches a new website
Many residents and visitors engage with experienceyorkregion.com to discover and experience everything York Region has to offer. The tourism site shares information about local events, activities, venues and places to go in our region.
Local Spotlight
Georgina Made business Buchner Manufacturing
Located on Highway 48 in Pefferlaw, Buchner Manufacturing was founded 40 years ago. It is a major manufacturer of exterior building products, supplying quality steel, aluminum, eaves trough, siding and many other products.

When asked about what the Georgina community means to them, Anna Buchner, the Marketing Manager, stated, “We wouldn’t have been able to grow as much as we have if it wasn’t for the support of Georgina. We started here, we’re based here, and we grew our name and reputation here.” That reputation has allowed their business to expand and have four more locations in Ontario. Read more.

The Georgina Made online directory highlights the many makers, growers and manufacturers of products made in Georgina.
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 industry.
Sutton
$899,000
Jackson's Point
$2,199,000
Keswick
$2,750,000

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
Discover Georgina Scavenger Hunt
Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Discover Georgina Scavenger Hunt - Shop Local Edition takes participants throughout Georgina showcasing local businesses.
Business Bounce Back – Helping Your Business Succeed
Oct. 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Find out how the Business Bounce Back program can help your business ideas flourish. Learn about York University's YSpace and listen to past program alumni talk about their experiences. Register.
Legalities of Vaccine Mandates in the Workplace and Other Considerations
Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
Minken Employment Lawyers provide strategic advice and guidance for business owners with challenges at their workplace. Register.
Tax Essentials for Small Business Success
Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.
Explore the seven essential areas for business success with Duncan Goodwin. Register.
For a full list of Small Business Week events, visit georginachamber.com.
Save the Date: 2021 Agri-Food Forum
The 2021 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum is being hosted virtually by the Regional Municipality of York in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and local municipalities from Nov. 3 to 4, 2021. 

This year’s theme is Innovation and Resiliency in the Agri-food Sector, focused on agri-tech, entrepreneurship, exploring innovative ways of doing business and building a resilient agri-food sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a great opportunity for those with an interest in regional and local economic development and land use planning to learn, network and share experiences.

Local Business Support
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.
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
Regional, provincial and federal support
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund Program
The program provides qualified small businesses and entrepreneurs with $10,000 in funding solutions that boost productivity and innovation across supply chains by leveraging AI. Learn more.
My Main Street
Support for new and existing businesses through funding for main street ambassadors, direct business non-repayable contributions, market research and business support programs. Learn more.
Ontario Tourism Recovery Program
Support for eligible tourism businesses that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. Eligible businesses could receive up to $1M in funding per business. Applications open on Oct. 13, 2021. Learn more.
Improving Ontario's Agri-Food Business Productivity
Funding for Ontario food, beverage and other agri-food businesses to improve the productivity of their operations. Learn more.
For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism