Economic Development and Tourism News |
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Business has not been "as usual" this year, nor have our meetings, which we are sure many of you can attest to. We too, have had to adjust and learn new ways to communicate, like remembering to mute our audio or needing to turn off video to avoid frozen images mid-sentence. While these are the less daunting challenges we've had to overcome, the larger challenge of recovery that affects our business community has not been as easy. Still, we know we will be able to get through this, together, after witnessing the inspiring resiliency and community devotion our businesses have shown this past year.
As we close off 2020 and welcome a new year, our team wishes our businesses and organizations a wonderful, much-deserved time off with loved ones. When we return in January, we will continue to work hard to provide you with the supports you need to recover.
Happy holidays and best wishes for 2021.
Your Economic Development and Tourism team
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Town of Georgina's 2020 COVID-19 business support snapshot |
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When the pandemic hit, the Town of Georgina acted quickly to find ways to support businesses and organizations. To do this, the Economic Development and Tourism office connected with more than 216 of them, providing guidance to support programs announced by the federal and provincial governments. From these conversations, our office was able to strategize and develop municipal-level support that would have the most impact on the community.
Additionally, three businesses collectively received $1,238 in development fee rebates, nine restaurants were able to expand their outdoor dining through the Temporary Patio Program, and 21 businesses received one-on-one business and marketing expertise through the Pivot Planning Squad launched in October.
Looking ahead
As we move into a new year with recovery in mind, our office will continue to listen and execute impactful support programs, such as the extension of COVID-19 Recovery Programs and collaborations to help businesses pivot with current trends.
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New development in Jackson's Point to change the downtown landscape |
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Nestled next to Jackson's Point Parkette, in the centre of Jackson's Point Business Improvement Area, is a new development that has broken ground – a four-storey complex with condos, townhomes and six units for commercial/medical use.
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Free tech solutions for Georgina businesses |
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Deadline to submit: Jan. 10, 2021 |
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Our office is excited to share with you four tech opportunities brought to you by Venturelab and Digital Main Street that Georgina businesses may be able to take advantage of. The tech solutions are to be implemented/piloted through mid-February 2021 and are provided free of charge, with any expenses incurred by the business being paid for with Digital Main Street funding.
EAIGLE offers an AI solution for Crowd Monitoring and Occupancy Data Analytics for public places with high foot traffic. With the rise of COVID-19, EAIGLE introduced a new AI solution that automates the total COVID-19 screening process for employees at points of entry. The solution monitors large crowds non-invasively without interruption in traffic flow specific for companies with large numbers of employees/visitors.
Hotspots provides Canadian designed and manufactured outdoor heated furniture to extend the patio season. Hotspots chairs provide incubating warmth, with three temperature settings, comfortable contours, and multiple safety features, while providing a green energy solution that adds months to the outdoor patio season.
inField Shoppe iQ Connected CUBBIES enable retail and food services to thrive in a COVID environment and beyond. The Connected CUBBIES solution is a patent-pending smart locker solution that provides a curbside pickup and delivery management system driven by a mobile app. It combines the advantages of physical shopping with the convenience and safety of online commerce.
TAKU is an all-in-one retail sales software that helps traditional retailers sell online and in-store under one login. Built specifically for retailers with physical stores, TAKU is designed to help merchants quickly start selling and taking payments online with a webstore or through Facebook and Instagram. Because TAKU is directly linked to Google in real-time, it can even boost foot traffic to physical stores by automatically showcasing in-stock products when nearby shoppers search online. Take advantage of this limited-time Digital Main Street offer. Free online store, mobile POS and setup services until March 31, 2021, for qualifying York Region merchants.
If you think your business could benefit from any of these solutions, submit your expression of interest. If you want to know more, contact our office at [email protected].
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Georgina promotes shop local message |
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In November, the Town began promoting shop local messaging in support of the Georgina Chamber of Commerce's shop local campaign, which was launched earlier this year. The campaign, intended to help stimulate local spending and encourage residents to adopt a new concept, will not only have a short-term impact that our businesses desperately need right now, but also a long-term impact far beyond the holiday season.
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Town of Georgina says "thank you" to local community business champions |
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This past year has been challenging, especially for our business community, and even still, many of them have stepped up to put others first. At the Town of Georgina, we recognize the businesses that have gone above and beyond to support our community and thank them for their contributions.
Over the past month, we've been stopping by some of our local businesses to present them with a holiday wreath and certificate of appreciation for their contribution to our community. Stay tuned to our Facebook page as we continue to celebrate our amazing community.
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Quick Pizza Keswick has been donating to many charities and different causes in Georgina for years with proceeds from their Toonie Tuesdays. A proud "for the community" business that welcomes everyone and knows most by name. |
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The Corner House Bistro has been giving back to our community with its charity bread since opening its doors, supporting many local organizations. Most recently, when the pandemic hit, instead of wasting their food when forced to close, they prepared meals for Sandgate Women's Shelter. |
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In October, Riveredge Restaurant went above and beyond reaching out to our community to anonymously provide meals to those in need. |
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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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Economic Recovery Support |
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Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities that have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses. Learn more.
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South Lake Futures receives additional funding for Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
South Lake Futures has helped 27 businesses, and helped maintain 89 jobs in the Town of East Gwillimbury, Georgina and the Township of Brock through the RRRF. Additional funding is now available for businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Learn more.
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Property tax and energy cost rebates
Eligible businesses can apply for temporary property tax and energy cost rebates directly to the province through a single, online application portal. Learn more.
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Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative
Cost-share support is now available for equipment to increase productivity through equipment upgrades.
Applications are now open for a Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative. Learn more.
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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.
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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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Support local businesses and WIN prizes! |
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Deadline to submit bingo cards: Dec. 21, 2020 |
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To encourage residents to shop local and discover new stores and businesses in Georgina, the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Kinsmen of Georgina, have launched Shop Local Holiday Bingo. The holiday bingo card is full of activities that promote local shopping! |
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Application deadline approaching to participate in Georgina's exciting new food event |
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Taste of Georgina, organized by the Economic Development and Tourism office, will run between Saturday, Feb. 6 and Friday, Feb. 19 (14 days/2 weeks) and promote the celebration of Georgina's diverse cuisine by profiling fine dining experiences at a range of price points. The event will consist of a prix fixe program offered by Georgina’s participating dining establishments.
Three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus will be offered at $15, $20 or $25 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner (beverages, taxes and gratuities not included) per person. The three-course menus will include a choice of appetizer, lunch and dessert options.
Participation is free for restaurants that meet the eligibility requirements.
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Georgina Economic Development and Tourism
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