Economic Development and Tourism News
Grown in Georgina project supports local farmers and agri-businesses
As the population increases, more pressure is put on our food and agriculture community to meet demand. Although corporate farms produce the majority of our food, the population is looking for alternatives. Moving to a sustainable system is the way of our future.

So, what is sustainable agriculture and how do we get there? Sustainable agriculture is supporting local and providing natural farming methods that are profitable and environmentally friendly. The vision of sustainable agriculture will take time. First, we need to create awareness of the sustainable movement by educating our community.

The Town is committed to supporting our local farmers and agri-businesses to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. To do this, the Grown in Georgina multi-event project and campaign were created to bring awareness to Georgina’s local sellers and help build a sustainable community of local businesses that rely on each other. 

For more information on how Georgina is bringing awareness to our agriculture sector and how you can support our local agri-businesses, visit georgina.ca/agri-tourism.
Digital Transformation Grant
Applications will continue to be accepted until Oct. 31, 2021, or until grant funds are exhausted.
In 2020, more than 30 Georgina businesses pivoted their businesses online. If you are a brick-and-mortar business owner and would like to increase your online exposure to reach new customers or expand your current digital operations, this grant may be able to help you.

It provides eligible businesses with $2,500 towards the adoption of digital technologies. The money can be used for several things such as digital advertising, social media platforms, digital marketing, software and more!
Town receives provincial funding for upcoming winter events
The Town of Georgina is a 2021 recipient of the Reconnect Festival and Event program and will receive $61,780 for the Georgina Winter Classic – A Series of Community Events.

The Georgina Winter Classic is a series of six events running from December 2021 to March 2022, celebrating community and family while supporting local businesses.

Events include the Drive-thru Parade of Lights – a magical holiday tribute with festive lighting synced to music, Insta-worthy selfie light installations in the four downtowns to promote economic stimulus, self-guided illuminated snowshoeing through one of Georgina's most popular trail systems, exploring the community with a photo scavenger hunt, Taste of Georgina and SnoFest.
Local Spotlight
Georgina Made manufacturer Chetty's Hot Sauce
In Guyana, pepper sauce is a staple in almost every meal. While most knew how to make it, no one had decided to package and sell it. When Patrick immigrated to Canada more than 30 years ago, he wasn’t able to find a hot sauce sold in stores that compared to the pepper sauce in Guyana. What started out as creating his own sauce and bringing it to friends' houses, turned into the start of Chetty’s Hot Sauce, now operating in Georgina for more than 16 years... 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.
Georgina
$1,999,900
Sutton
$1,249,999
Sutton
$899,000

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
Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 3 at the Link in Sutton (20849 Dalton Rd.).

Taste of Georgina
Explore Georgina's food culture from Sept. 10-26, when you can enjoy a prix fixe menu from participating restaurants throughout Georgina.

Georgina Studio Tour
Discover Georgina's talented artists during a two-day self-guided studio tour on Sept. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 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
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.
Tourism Relief Fund
Up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $100K (non-repayable contributions). Learn more.
For more links to provincial and federal funding opportunities, visit mentorworks.ca.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism