Economic Development and Tourism News
Why businesses choose the Town of Georgina
We sat down with business owners who have chosen the Town of Georgina to do business to hear what they have to say about its growth, proximity to urban markets and how its lakeside lifestyle is hard to beat. Discover why Georgina is the place to live, work, play, and start or expand your next business venture.
Funding still available for BIA businesses
Do you own a business in one of Georgina’s three business improvement areas (BIA) in Jackson's Point, Keswick or Sutton? If so, did you know you can apply for a grant under the Community Improvement Plan to enhance your storefront facade, landscaping or accessibility? You may also be eligible for COVID-19 grants to financially assist with setting up a temporary patio, enhancing technology or renovations to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding is still available. Connect with our office to learn about eligibility and the application process.

Thinking about doing business in a BIA? Learn about the benefits of doing business in one of these areas in our blog.
Top five things to do this spring in Georgina
Beautiful spring colours and activities are on the way as we transition into warmer weather. Shed those winter layers, get out and enjoy all that Georgina has to offer. View our list of the top five things to do in Georgina this spring.
Marketing opportunity for short-term rental accommodation owners
Do you own a short-term rental property in Georgina? Did you know you need a licence from the Town in order to operate one? Application packages are available online or in hard copy at the Civic Centre. Learn more at georgina.ca/STRA.

If you are already registered and want to benefit from extra promotion for your accommodation and have marketing material available to your guests, connect with our office.
Local Spotlight
Georgina resident starts and grows business with partnerships and community support
Hear from Georgina Made business owner Lindsay on starting her business, how she's partnered with other local businesses and the response she's received from the community.

“I started making things and posting them on Facebook and Instagram, and it just kinda blew up from there. The Georgina community has been phenomenal, and I’ve connected with so many people throughout Georgina and developed loyal customers who keep coming back,” said Lindsay. Read more.
Local Business Support
Town of Georgina support programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
Business Idea Consultations
The Idea Consultations program involves free one-on-one consultation services that connect entrepreneurs with the York University YSpace entrepreneurship team to understand how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can help business ideas come to life. Entrepreneurs will benefit from:
  • Free one-on-one consultation with a business professional
  • A defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs
  • Access to additional support or mentorship via an ecosystem of volunteers through the local ecosystem of resources

Learn more and schedule a consultation at georgina.ca/yspace.
E-Commerce support
The Digital Main Street shopHERE program helps home-based and commercial businesses create an online store. Learn more and apply.
Entrepreneurship training and funding for youth
Do you know a student aged 15-29 interested in entrepreneurship? Be your own boss this summer and get training, mentoring, and the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $3,000. Learn more.
Rapid Antigen Screening kits
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.
Financial support and guidance
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'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.
Featured Provincial and Federal Funding Opportunities
Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth. This fund will aid in empowering tourism businesses to create or enhance tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors. With a focus on product and destination development, funding is available for businesses, not-for-profit organizations and band councils or other Indigenous organizations.

Apply by: May 15, 2022
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000 for eligible incorporated tourism businesses.
Finding grants and funding opportunities available to business owners can be daunting. We've complied provincial and federal opportunities in one place to make it easier. 

Featured Properties for Sale
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.
Jackson's Point
$1,188,000
Keswick
$799,000
Sutton
$1,095,000

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.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism