Economic Development and Tourism News
Georgina extends COVID-19 business support programs until the end of 2021
Council has approved extending COVID-19 business support programs until the end of 2021. The programs include grants, a development application fee rebate and a temporary patio program. 

In 2020, these programs, along with the Georgina Economic Recovery Benefit, helped 92 businesses and not-for-profits cover costs associated with COVID-19 and/or expand their operations.
Georgina businesses pivot online to maintain revenue during COVID-19 pandemic
There is no questioning small businesses have been drastically affected by public health restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has forced society to shift their habits in how they shop and do business.

Before the pandemic, some businesses were already positioned for virtual shopping, but many had to think ahead and quickly jump on the digital bandwagon. In our latest blog, we spotlight five local businesses in Georgina that pivoted to online service during the pandemic.
Waterfront Parks Master Plan
Lake Simcoe is Georgina's most important tourism asset that brings many visitors to the area year-round. The Waterfront Parks Master Plan will help strengthen tourism in Georgina and ensure businesses that rely on the industry can thrive in the future. The Town is requesting all residents and business owners provide their feedback on the concepts by Feb. 5, 2021.
Local Spotlight
Sterling Tire scales up in Georgina
Sterling Tire’s new 10,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Woodbine Avenue and Boyers Sideroad is a significant investment in the Town of Georgina. The family-run business, which has been operating in Keswick for more than 40 years, went from a two-bay garage to a five-bay facility with a large, comfortable waiting area. 
The new building is not the only impressive accomplishment their team has made over the past year – they also updated the website, enhancing customer service by offering online appointment booking. 

We are thrilled for owner Josh Stevens and his entire team who have worked so hard to scale Sterling Tire into the business it is today. We applaud their success and thank them for choosing Georgina. 

Sterling Tire is a recipient of the Town’s Development Application Fee Rebate program, which rebates developers a maximum of $10,000 or $20,000 for multiple applications.
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 [email protected] 
Economic Recovery Support
Primary support programs overview
Looking for a quick overview of the main funding programs? York Region has assembled an overview of some of the major programs with funding still available. View and download.
Ontario supporting home-based food business
The Ontario government is supporting home-based food businesses by providing a guide on how to start a home-based food business. To further support these entrepreneurs, the government has also made regulatory changes to allow more flexibility to sell low-risk, home-prepared foods. Learn more.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
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. 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.
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.
Events
Taste of Georgina
Taste of Georgina, organized by the Economic Development and Tourism office, will run between Saturday, Feb. 6 and Friday, Feb. 19 to support and promote Georgina's diverse dining establishments. The event will consist of a prix fixe takeout program offered by Georgina’s participating dining establishments.
Training
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.
Do you want to learn how you can diversify your business with specialty crops? Register for one or all four free workshops led by OMAFRA crop specialists.
Featured Properties
commercial property for sale in Keswick Queensway and Ravenshow
Keswick
$3,700,000
Keswick
$1,295,000
Sutton
$449,000

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