Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Town seeks input from business community on economic recovery |
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COVID-19 has been a challenge that has seen many setbacks and some silver linings. Our business community has had to overcome many obstacles including lack of revenue, labour shortages and the need to pivot and learn new ways of doing business. Throughout the pandemic, many programs have been announced from all levels of government to support recovery. The Town wants to hear from businesses about their immediate needs.
Three ways to have your say:
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Fill out the online survey.
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One-on-one meeting (in person or virtual). To request a meeting, email us at [email protected].
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Meet with our Economic Development and Tourism staff virtually on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. Register.
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How the Town is supporting economic recovery and growth |
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The Town supports economic recovery and growth through a number of programs, initiatives and one-on-one consultations. We encourage all businesses that are looking to start up, grow or pivot to connect with our Economic Development and Tourism office to see how we can assist. Below are just a few of the ways the Town supports our business community:
- Town staff link entrepreneurs to business resources and support programs through one-on-one consultations and communications channels.
- New and existing businesses are supported through recovery programs to offset costs associated with the pandemic, skills development training and promotion of events that drive economic impact.
- Our Economic Development Officer assists businesses looking to invest or expand with site selection, zoning, statistics and incentive programs.
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Business Improvement Area (BIA) support and incentives are in place to revitalize downtown areas. Learn about doing business in a BIA and how the Town supports these areas.
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Marketing support. We recognize the contribution our businesses make to our economy, large and small, and are dedicated to supporting and promoting their achievements. Businesses are highlighted through a number of traditional and online marketing channels, as well as initiatives like Georgina Made and signature events.
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Festival and event grant open for late summer and fall events |
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Are you thinking about organizing an event this summer? The Town’s Community Grant Program has streams to help support and generate economic opportunities for local businesses and for the betterment of the community. Applicants could receive up to $5,000 for their event (50 per cent cost-share).
Submissions are recommended 120 days prior to your event, so if you are thinking about a summer or fall event, we encourage you to connect with our office soon.
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Ontario moving to the next phase of reopening |
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With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve, Ontario is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner. Read the news release to learn more about how this may affect your business.
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Taste of Georgina event kicks off to support and highlight local restaurants |
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The Taste of Georgina event launched as a pilot project in February 2021 to support local dining establishments during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was a successful event that brought more than 28K in revenue to local restaurants limited to take-out.
With the first event's success, the Town secured funding through the Reconnect Grant with the province to increase marketing efforts and bring more foodies to the table. Taste of Georgina kicks off on Feb. 18, 2022, with restaurants throughout Georgina, to once again showcase the Town's diverse cuisines.
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Dance studio brings new activity to Jackson's Point's historic downtown |
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Bold Steps Dance Studio opened its doors for in-person classes at 21100 Dalton Rd. in Jackson’s Point, offering Canadian Step, Scottish Highland and ballet classes to students three years of age and up. The owner, Meghan Bold, is a seasoned teacher who ran a successful studio in Toronto for more than 13 years, teaching students of all ages to learn her craft and enjoy the art of dance.
After moving to Georgina in 2016 to raise a family, Meghan waited for the opportunity to open a studio in town. She recognized there was a market opportunity to bring dance to northern Georgina and be accessible to residents who have to drive further south.
Now that she can raise her family and fulfill her passion close to home, she’s excited to embark on this next chapter. “I love everything about this community. The beaches, the trails, it's a nice feel. Even if you don’t know somebody, you know they are looking out for you,” she said. Read more.
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Does your business have an online store? The Digital Main Street ShopHERE program helps you create and configure an online store and shows you how to manage it. Tune in to Digital Main Street's webinar on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Register.
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This free webinar series targets aspiring farmers to help assess their fit and areas to consider before starting a farming business. Register.
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For a full list of upcoming webinars, visit yorklink.ca.
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How to promote your tourism business |
Our team has compiled a list of resources tourism-sector businesses can take advantage of to increase their exposure.
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Georgina's financial support programs
The Town's business support programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. Learn more.
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E-Commerce support
The Digital Main Street shopHERE program helps home-based and commercial businesses create an online store. Join the other 33 Georgina businesses that took advantage of this program in 2021. Learn more and apply.
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Rapid Antigen Screening kits for Georgina businesses
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.
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One-on-one free business consultations
York Small Business Enterprise Centre offers free one-hour consultations to provide you with the information you need to succeed and grow your business. Learn more.
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Financial support for Georgina businesses
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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Featured Funding Opportunities |
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Regional, provincial and federal support |
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COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant
Eligible businesses that were required to close on Jan. 5, 2022, are now able to apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant to receive $10,000 until March 11, 2022. Learn more.
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Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a federal program that supports Canadian economies for consistent growth and jobs creation amidst COVID-19 setbacks. The JGF includes up to $70 million for small businesses established after January 2020. Successful applicants may access up to 50-90 per cent of costs for economic growth projects. Learn more.
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For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
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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.
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Featured Properties for Sale |
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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.
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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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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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