Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Fall newsletter highlights Town's recovery efforts and successes |
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The Economic Development and Tourism office's bi-annual newsletter is has been published and mailed out to all businesses and farms in Georgina. In it, we've highlighted our emergency response, businesses that flourished during the pandemic and the importance of shopping local. |
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Government funded Skilled Trades Institute prepares for January start |
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Georgina's GTTI Skilled Trades Institute is gearing up for its January pre-apprenticeship programs that will educate local students in skilled trades.
The free 26-week program, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, will prepare 100 job seekers for construction-related professions.
Those interested in learning more about participating are encouraged to register for GTTI's open house on Oct. 17.
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Business Retention & Recovery |
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With funding still available until the end of the year, businesses are encouraged to contact our office to inquire if any municipal grants or assistance programs can help with recovery efforts. Connect with Sean Columbus, Georgina's Economic Development Officer, at [email protected].
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Recovery squad will connect with businesses one on one |
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The Town’s Economic Recovery Team (ERT) has assembled the Pivot Planning Squad to provide marketing expertise and community connections to small businesses in Georgina as they continue to pivot operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Squad members, with backgrounds in business and marketing, will connect through one-on-one consultations in person or virtually.
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Whipple Tree Country Store |
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Local Georgina business pivots and receives financial support from the Town during the pandemic |
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Whipple Tree Country Store is celebrating its fifth anniversary under new ownership. Young entrepreneur, Danielle Perry, bought into a previously established venture and added her personality and ambiance to the business.
COVID-19 has forced her to think outside the box, offering free delivery in Georgina, curbside pickup options, new PPE procedures for her customers and staff, as well as the option to shop via video by appointment.
Danielle believes it’s vital to sell local products in her store. “The community is extremely important to us and we strive to give back whenever we can. Supporting local is essential and we want to provide access to locally made items to help make it easier for people to shop locally.”
You can find Mike’s honey from Sutton and wool dryer balls from Hutchings Farm in Pefferlaw, ready for purchase and displayed neatly on Danielle’s shelves.
Due to the COVID-19 shutdown in early 2020, Danielle lost a few months of revenue, which made it hard to make ends meet. Thanks to the Economic Recovery Team at the Town of Georgina, she was a successful recipient of the Georgina Emergency Response Benefit (GERB).
The GERB, provided by the Town of Georgina and administered by Southlake Community Futures, was launched in April 2020 and provided $250,000 in grant funding to support local businesses that saw a 30 percent reduction in revenue. The funds were provided as grants to local businesses with amounts ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $7,500. Through this initiative, 66 businesses were supported.
To find out more about current support programs and grants available to local businesses, visit georgina.ca/business. Contact Whipple Tree Country Store on Facebook or Instagram @whippletreecountrystore or call them at 905-476-6933.
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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. To learn more, email our team at [email protected]
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Government announces new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic
The government plans to introduce legislation to provide support that would help businesses safely get through the second wave of the virus and the winter, cover costs so they can continue to serve their communities, and be positioned for a strong recovery. Learn more.
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Ontario helps keep energy costs low for families, small businesses and farmers
Customers eligible for the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) will automatically receive a 33.2% reduction off their energy bill when new electricity rates for Regulated Price Plan (RPP) customers come into effect Nov. 1, 2020. Learn more.
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Digital Main Street programs help businesses go online for little to no cost
Digital Main Street programs help small businesses better promote themselves online and adopt digital tools and technology. Learn more.
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The Discover Georgina Scavenger Hunt is back on Oct.17
This event allows participants to get out and explore all of Georgina safely by following a range of clues. Locations include landmarks, attractions, historical sites and local businesses. Register.
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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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