Economic Development and Tourism News |
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The importance of shopping local |
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Shop Local Georgina campaign urges residents to adopt "local" concept |
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Many of us grew up chatting around the dinner table about the importance of buying Canadian products. Fast forward to 2020, and the same message is being brought to the forefront - Buy Canadian. Buy from Ontario. Buy local.
The concept seems sound, but why are we really being reminded every day to support our local economy? Essentially, it’s about keeping money within the community and supporting each other, which will, in turn, benefit you and your neighbours.
Property taxes paid by local businesses are used to support your schools, parks, roads and other local programs. You're also supporting the creation of more jobs in the area, which will make it a better place to live and work. Environmental effects cannot be left out. When you shop locally, you conserve energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
Shopping local is a way of thinking that changes our habits and priorities. This is what the Shop Local Georgina campaign is all about - adopting the concept of shopping local.
The Georgina Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the Town of Georgina, launched the Shop Local campaign in June during Stage One of the province’s reopening plan. A new webpage - shoplocalgeorgina.ca, was launched, followed by communication through various channels to get the message heard.
The next phase of the campaign will build on the concept to engage local spending through events and business spotlights.
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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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Explore Georgina's downtown shops and dining options online |
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Take a stroll or click through Georgina's three downtown business areas where you'll find a wide variety of dining and shopping options. In an effort to continue to support these historic areas and the businesses within them, we've created a webpage that allows you to explore our communities. In the absence of printed material this year, this new page provides an at-hand way to see what's accessible and even link to stores that offer shopping online. |
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The Town of Georgina is pleased to announce it has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), technology companies and other entities that may be interested in providing enhanced broadband connectivity across the community in line with the Town’s new Broadband Strategy and Action Plan.
The RFI would seek feedback on:
- Leveraging the Town-owned wireless broadband infrastructure
- Leveraging YorkNet’s expanding dark fibre network in Georgina as well as existing ISP networks
- Implementing community WiFi opportunities in various locations
- Potential joint pilot projects
- Maximizing Georgina’s positioning to obtain federal and provincial broadband funding for the community
Ultimately, the RFI will serve to map out the Town’s path forward to enhancing Broadband connectivity across the community. The RFI responses submission deadline is Oct. 16, 2020.
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Business Retention & Recovery |
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Non-for-profit/Charitable Organization Grant deadline: Sept. 30, 2020 |
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Our Economic Recovery Team programs continue to be offered, along with the Town's other grants and rebates created to help achieve social, economic and cultural goals for our communities.
If you have any questions about the programs, recovery support, or if you are looking to expand or start a new business, email our team at [email protected]. We are here to help.
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Regional program provides training and funding opportunities for Georgina businesses |
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Deadline to apply: Sept. 25, 2020 |
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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
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Weller Tree Service - one of Ontario's largest tree-care companies, scales up in Georgina |
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If you’re a long-time Georgina resident, you more than likely know someone who worked for Weller Tree Service growing up. The business is deeply rooted in the Town’s identity, being one of the longest family-run businesses in the area.
The company was founded by Robert Franklin Weller in 1917 and is now being run by a third generation. They are one of the largest privately owned tree companies in all of Ontario with more than 150 employees, working for different municipalities from Toronto to Midland and Hydro Commissions across Ontario. They sit on many industry boards and are a key partner in assisting the Canadian Food and Drug Agency deal with the Asian Long-Horned Beetle infestation.
Rapid growth moved the company into a new phase of their story: expansion. Their first location near Keswick’s uptown business area outgrew their needs. A new location on McCowan Road in Georgina’s rural landscape was purchased and an exciting chapter began.
The Economic Development and Tourism Division worked closely with the Weller family to assist them in their new expansion plans. Weller Tree Service was one of the Town’s first Development Fee Rebate applications processed since the program’s approval by Council in 2018.
The purpose of the development application fee rebate program is to encourage development and redevelopment in the industrial, commercial (excluding retail and service commercial) and institutional Sectors. This program is to reduce the financial burden on landowners and business owners who are expanding/relocating or creating new businesses.
Weller Tree Service is a true Georgina business success story. Their rooted history and impressive portfolio of work will forever be part of the Town’s identity. To learn more about the expert tree services they offer, visit wellertreeservice.ca.
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Discover Georgina Scavenger Hunt is back
This event enables 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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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.
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Top 10 funding programs open this season
In this blog post by Mentor Works, you will discover the top choices for government grant programs, government loan programs, and government funding programs for COVID-19 support. Learn more.
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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.
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Snapd COVID-19 business recovery program
Snapd's Grant Program will gain you access to marketing experts, promotional tools and best of all – an audience. Grants are available to any business, not for profit, and service club. Learn more.
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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
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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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