Economic Development and Tourism News |
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A look back at another unprecedented year and the efforts made to support our economy |
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2021 started with recovery in mind as Georgina’s business community continued to struggle with revenue loss from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Although challenging, we witnessed inspiring resilience and even growth.
Our Economic Development and Tourism Division continued to support the business community through programs and one-on-one support. Take a look back with us as we recap the programs, initiatives and efforts made to support our economy.
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Town now accepting applications for Temporary Patio Program |
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If you're a dining establishment in Georgina interested in expanding or setting up a temporary patio, you are now able to submit an application for the 2022 season.
The Patio Program was created in 2020 to assist restaurants throughout the pandemic to help stabilize or increase revenue. More than 11 restaurants were able to expand their existing patio or set up a new one in 2021. Learn more about what's involved at georgina.ca/patio.
*Please note that if you applied and were approved for the program in 2021, you will need to re-apply again for 2022.
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Have you opened a new business or plan to open one soon? We want to be there! You throw the celebration and we’ll bring the ribbon and scissors.
Representatives from the Georgina Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Georgina, along with dignitaries, will join you and your guests to honour your momentous event. Fill out a short form to notify the appropriate parties of your upcoming event.
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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 29, 2022, at 11 a.m. Register.
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Taste of Georgina restaurants share how the event has helped their businesses |
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Taste of Georgina ran as a pilot project in February 2021 to support local dining establishments during the COVID-19 lockdown. The event, which concluded its third round this February, promoted participating restaurants offering three-course menus at set prices with the intention to increase revenue and introduce new customers.
“We’re coming into our seventh year, and we’ll still have people come into the restaurant and say they didn’t know we were here. Taste of Georgina provides exposure through a variety of different media which attracts different types of people to the restaurant. It allows us to get our signature dishes in front of people,” said the owner of Bailey's Homestead, Jon Bailey. “Taste of Georgina has created a community amongst the restaurants. We aren’t competing with each other. There’s enough variety for everyone’s tastes. It shows a good representation of the culinary experiences the Town has to offer.”
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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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Events and Networking Opportunities |
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Woman's Mastermind Group
Monday, March 28 at 1 p.m.
This monthly meeting (currently virtual) is an opportunity for Georgina women business owners and professionals to set and achieve personal and professional goals with the support of a positive and like-minded group of women. Register.
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Economic Recovery Input Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, March 29 at 11 a.m.
The Town of Georgina is committed to providing assistance to help all business sectors. We are looking for input on additional areas of support required to help businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provide your input and ask staff questions about available programs and support. Register.
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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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Town of Georgina 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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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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 Funding Opportunities |
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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.
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Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Businesses that have been required to close or reduce capacity can apply to receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incurred while subject to these measures. Cost coverage is directly related to the capacity of operation (ie. if you are reduced to 50 per cent capacity, you are eligible for a rebate of 50 per cent). Learn more.
Apply by: March 14, 2022.
Funding amount: Up to 100 per cent of costs, based on capacity restrictions.
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Ontario Small Business Relief Grant
This grant is available for eligible businesses who have been subject to closure as a result of the province’s move to the modified step two of the roadmap to reopen. If you are a business with less than 100 employees and were forced to close due to public health orders on Jan. 5, you are eligible to apply for the Ontario Small Business Relief Grant. Learn more.
Apply by: March 11, 2022.
Funding amount: $10,000.
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Canada Digital Adoption Program
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program helps to get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business's operations. Two different funding streams are available - Boost Your Business Technology which covers up to 90 per cent of eligible costs of retaining the services of a digital advisor and Grow Your Business which helps businesses that haven't yet adopted digital technologies take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. The website offers a questionnaire to figure out which stream is right for you. Learn more.
Apply by: Open until funds are used
Funding Amount: $2,400 or 90 per cent of costs up to $15,000 depending on the stream
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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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Jackson's Point
$7,500,000
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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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Nominations are open for the 2020-2021 Volunteer Award of Merit. The pandemic prevented us from recognizing volunteers in 2020 so we are asking you to nominate an individual, team, or group for this award who volunteered in 2020 or 2021. It recognizes people who have contributed to the betterment of the local community and Georgina as a whole. Submit a nomination form today and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $200 pre-paid credit card. Nomination forms can be found at geogina.ca/events or call 905-476-4301 for more information. The nomination deadline is March 20.
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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