Economic Development and Tourism News
Business Park will bring 200 acres of industrial development to Georgina
The Town of Georgina is excited to announce Panattoni Development Company has acquired 200 acres of zoned industrial land at the northeast corner of Woodbine Avenue and Glenwoods Avenue in Keswick.

The site is one of the largest available development opportunities within an ideal distance of Toronto, zoned to permit a wide range of industrial uses, as well as professional offices, and has the potential to provide significant job opportunities.
Town developing a comprehensive film program
Filming in Georgina
Recognizing the beneficial impact commercial filming can have on our community, the Town has made the initial steps to update its film policy.

The policy, created in 1997 and revised in 2004, is currently being updated to a more comprehensive version, including a formalized application process and an appointed Film Liaison.

Once complete, staff will start promoting Georgina as a filming destination through increased presence on film databases.
New signature event launches to support local restaurants
It’s been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and small businesses continue to struggle with ways to bring in revenue in the hope of being able to reopen when we return to a somewhat pre-pandemic way of business.  

To support Georgina’s dining establishments, which have been once again limited to takeout or delivery, the Economic Development and Tourism office at the Town of Georgina has launched an event, with public health restrictions, to help support and promote local restaurants.
Free 26-week skilled trades training launches in Georgina
GTTI Skilled Trades Institute, which received funding from the Town of Georgina and other levels of government, recently kicked off its first 26-week term of free pre-apprenticeship programs in Georgina.

With the Ontario Government estimating that by 2021, one in five new jobs in Ontario will be in trades-related occupations, and employers are already facing a shortage of workers in key sectors, this program helps fill the gap. 

The opportunity to access free tuition training is now giving many Georgina and surrounding area residents the hands-on practical skills they need to start careers in skilled trades. 
Are you a local business that has opened, reopened, applied for grants or had to pivot because of COVID-19? If so, we want to hear from you. Our business success stories are featured on our Facebook account, on our blog and in some cases, in our print newsletters. Email us at ed@georgina.ca.
Economic Recovery Support
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Updated
A CEBA funding increase has been announced. These interest-free loans of up to $60,000 (previously up to $40,000) are forgivable up to $20,000 if paid back by Dec. 31, 2022. Applicants who received the $40,000 loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion. Learn more.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Accepting applications
If your business has been impacted by public health restrictions, you may be eligible for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to help small business owners. Apply.
Digital Main Street and TakuLabs partner to move retail business operations online for free
New
TAKU retail platform allows established retailers to seamlessly move their operation online while making it easier for local shoppers to see what products are available and in-stock nearby. Learn more.
PPE reimbursement application
Private or not-for-profit businesses in the hospitality and recreation sectors are eligible to apply for a grant to cover 50 per cent of PPE expenses up to a maximum of $1,000 ($2,000 total expense). Learn more.
COVID-19 Response Fund
New
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 COVID-19 Business Support Programs
Updated
Business support programs have been extended until the end of 2021 for Georgina businesses. The programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a temporary patio program. Learn more.
Town offers property tax deferrals
New
The Town of Georgina is offering deferrals for the first instalment of the 2021 interim property tax bill for property owners who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.
Marketing support for Georgina businesses
The Town of Georgina's Pivot Planning Squad offers no-cost marketing support for small businesses in Georgina to help pivot their operations. Request consult.
Training
Free webinars
Whether you are a professional services company, brick and mortar or technology startup, the Founders Fundamental program aims to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Spanning across topics such as Business Plan 101, Grant Writing and How to Grow a Team, this free program provides a wide range of learning opportunities.
Food Accelerator program
In partnership with York Region and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, YSpace has relaunched its five-month Food Accelerator program helping scale high-growth food and beverage ventures through customized workshops, expert mentorship and peer-to-peer circles. The program will provide founders with the tools, skills and connections they need to scale and thrive in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Featured Properties
Sutton
$699,900
Sutton
$1,999,800
Keswick
$884,800

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
Taste of Georgina
Between Feb. 6 and Feb. 19, you’re invited to experience the Taste of Georgina, a prix fixe food series that will awaken your taste buds and allow you to explore a variety of local restaurants. Learn more.
Georgina Tourism Mastermind
On March 1, all businesses and stakeholders who are affected by the tourism industry are invited and encouraged to share ideas, thoughts, information and feedback at an upcoming virtual gathering. Learn more and register.
Visit georgina.ca/business for up-to-date news and webinars on COVID-19.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism