Georgina rolls out a new five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy

The Economic Development and Tourism Division underwent the process of developing a five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy in 2023 to further strengthen and diversify the local economy, which was approved by Council on Feb. 28, 2024.

Extensive community engagement and a thorough analytical analysis culminated in a final document that was created by the community for the community. The goals over the next five years are to:

1. Grow the economy through investment attraction
2. Grow the economy through the retention and expansion of the existing business community
3. Grow tourism, arts and culture with a focus on leveraging these assets to create economic impact
4. Create lively downtowns and public gathering spaces

Book a free visit with staff

Our team is committed to providing support to businesses looking to establish and grow and wants to stay connected with you. We invite you to book a free visit with our staff to discover how we may be able to help you achieve your business goals. We will also take the opportunity to gather insights that will inform economic initiatives.

Applications for Summer Company are now open!

Do you know a student between 15 and 29 with a business idea? Instead of a summer job, this year, students can be their own boss through Summer Company – a program that supports youth entrepreneurship in Ontario.

The York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) administers this program each year in partnership with the Government of Ontario. 

The program offers:

• Hands-on training and skills development
• coaching and guidance
• Mentorship to help develop and launch a business over the summer
• Financial support of up to $3,000

Learning how to run a business is one of the best summer jobs a student can have. Applications close May 1, 2024.

YSpace Entrepreneurship Hub offers mentorship through "Office Hours" program

Take your business to the next level with personalized guidance and insights. Office Hours allows entrepreneurs to receive mentorship from experienced business experts to kickstart or enhance their small business ventures. Reserve a one-on-one time slot with the mentor(s) who align with your entrepreneurial goals.

Georgina welcomes Negin to the team

Negin has joined our YSpace team to support businesses in fulfilling their entrepreneurship goals. She comes to us with a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering entrepreneurship. Negin holds a master’s degree in architecture, and has extensive experience in both the private and governmental sectors within the architecture and planning fields. Notably, she has successfully managed her own architecture business and, apart from her architecture practice, founded a social enterprise in 2020.

Her journey as an entrepreneur, coupled with her professional coaching certification and practice, uniquely positions her to support and empower other entrepreneurs along their path to success.

One of Negin's recent endeavours includes her role as a coach, where she has been instrumental in mentoring young entrepreneurs from Ghana in collaboration with Queen’s University in 2023. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship extends to our local community, as she aspires to motivate and support business owners here in Georgina and East Gwillimbury.

Local spotlight

What began as a modest home-based venture has since blossomed into a thriving medium-sized operation, boasting an expanded product line, commercial space and increased revenue. Stephen Faudemer, the owner of We Print T-shirts, took the reins from friends and neighbours back in 2019 and shares his success, tips and why he chose Georgina to do business in our blog.



The success of WePrintTshirts.ca is a testament to passion, knowledge, and community support, showcasing the potential for growth and prosperity in Georgina. Learn how resiliency, mentorship and seizing grant opportunities helped Stephen grow his business in Georgina at choosegeorgina.ca/blog. 

We Print T-shirts isn't just about T-shirts. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including apparel printing, embroidery, and laser engraving on various items like cutting boards, magnets, and awards. From vinyl signs to business cards, it caters to both small and large-quantity orders.

Establishing a solid reputation, Stephen and his team have serviced real estate agents, municipalities, schools, and even international clients through platforms like ETSY. 

Funding Opportunities

York Region Tourism Fund

Registered charitable organizations and non-profit/not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funds of up to $5,000 per project to support community-based tourism events. Funds for each project will be allocated for a term from January 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024. Learn more.

My Main Street Community Business Sustainability Program

The Business Sustainability stream will provide up to $6.5 million of non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 in direct-to-business funding to support productivity enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario. Applications close on March 31, 2024. Learn more.

Business Benefits Finder

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business or a not-for-profit organization, this tool can help you find grants, partnerships and support currently available to help you grow.

Investment Opportunities

Keswick Business Park

Featured businesses and properties for sale

Are you looking for the perfect site to start or expand your business? We can help you find a location that will meet your needs and is zoned for your business.

111 High St.,

Sutton

$1,119,000

944 Lake Dr. E.,

Jackson's Point

$1,549,900

920 Lake Dr. E.,

Jackson's Point

$1,099,000

See full map of "For Sale" listings of Commercial and Industrial Properties.

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.

Events

See more business events at yorklink.ca.

Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant recipient events

Learn about Georgina's grants at georgina.ca/grants.