Economic Development and Tourism News
Business and Tourism Blog
Economic Development and Tourism Office launches new blog to share successes and encourage investment
We recognize our business community's successes and are pleased to share the introduction of a new blog that provides us with an additional outlet to share these stories with our residents.

You'll also find tourism-related content to help residents and visitors plan their next getaway or staycation, to stimulate local spending in our economy. We invite you to view the blog, share content that resonates with you and visit often. 
Business Retention & Recovery
Our Economic Recovery Team has developed programs to assist you in helping your business meet new protocols and changing consumer behaviours to support our local economic recovery. 
COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan Program
Intake deadline: Sept. 14, 2020
What: Grant to renovate (up to $3,000) or implement new technology (up to $1,500) to address the COVID-19 Pandemic. Projects or upgrades implemented post March 19, 2020 will be reviewed. 

For: Business owners in Georgina's designated improvement areas (BIAs) in Jackson's Point, Keswick and Sutton.*
COVID-19 Development Application Rebate Program
Intake deadline: Sept. 14, 2020
What: Maximum rebate of $3,000 for building permit fees.
For: All businesses in Georgina.*


*More eligibility requirements may apply.
Business support questions?
Georgina's Economic Development team is working to support businesses during this difficult time. Email our team at [email protected] or call Karyn Stone, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism at 905-476-4301, ext. 2312.
Regional program provides training and funding opportunities for Georgina businesses
Deadline to apply: Sept. 25, 2020
Are you an existing business with a bricks and mortar location? Was your business affected by COVID-19 and experiened a loss in revenue? The York Small Business Enterprise Centre has opened the York Region COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Support Program for a second round of applications.

What you can receive:

  • Mentoring with a successful local entrepreneur 
  • Business training on topics ranging from creating and re-evaluating your brand, how can you effectively sell in this digital age, and COVID-19 recovery support 
  • Free business advisory services 
  • Business workshops and valuable networking opportunities 
  • Opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 

Tourism Spotlight
Georgina Studio Tour
Georgina Studio Tour showcases a diverse and talented group of Canadian artists
Georgina's Studio Tour, now in its 26th year, will showcase Georgina's rich culture and 24 talented artists. The two-day event at the end of September offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to visit artist studios where they'll learn how the creative process evolves from an idea to something that will add beauty and ambiance to collectors’ homes. 
 
The tour stops have works of art representing an array of mediums including glass, paint, pottery, sculpture, woodwork, quilting, mixed media, and more. Five locations on the tour bring some artists together, such as Homestead Orchards, where you can experience farm-fresh products and sweet goods from the bakery. You’ll also find indigenous art from local artists at the Georgina Art Centre & Gallery.
 
For those visiting, studio tour packages are being offered at the Briars Resort & Spa and Ramada Jackson’s Point Resort.

We are proud to be working with the event organizers and are excited about the upcoming event on Sept. 26-27. To ensure everyone’s safety during the tour, event organizers request that you wear your mask indoors, use hand sanitizer and practise social distancing. 
News and Resources
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000. The program intends to support local businesses of all kinds from across the country (from retailers to barbershops to farmers). Learn more.
Digital Main Street programs help businesses go online for little to no cost
Digital Main Street programs helps small businesses better promote themselves online and adopt digital tools and technology. Learn more.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business
The Government of Ontario is making $8 million available to support small business and registered charities who are struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19. Learn more.
Provincial funding opportunity for non-profit organizations
Ontario is investing $83 million in the non-profit sector through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. It will provide between $5,000 and $150,000 to non-profit organizations that are looking ahead to recovery planning with the aim of rebuilding their capacity. Learn more.
Webinars
Joining a webinar may help you get the specific info and advice you need as you navigate this challenging time. York Link - York Region Economic Development has created a list of webinars from reputable sources that relate to all sectors and business needs.

Mind Your Business
Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, hosts local businesses and government representatives on Rogers TV to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and how they are coping. Watch already aired episodes
Featured Properties
Sutton/Jackson's Point
$1,750,000
Keswick
$3,450,000 
Sutton
$799,900

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.
Visit georgina.ca/business for up-to-date news and webinars on COVID-19.
Georgina Economic Development and Tourism