Georgina's summer and fall tourism guide launches to support thriving tourism sector

Tourism in Georgina plays a vital role in the local economy, attracting numerous visitors for day trips and overnight stays from the Greater Toronto area and beyond. These visitors come to enjoy Lake Simcoe and the wide array of activities and experiences the Town offers.

With a variety of marinas, tourism businesses and accommodation options, Georgina stands out as a prime lake experience destination. The Town anticipates further growth in its tourism sector as the populations of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area continue to rise.

The bi-annual tourism guide supports Georgina's businesses that depend on tourism and helps to promote the Town's unique identity. This guide serves as a valuable resource for both residents and visitors, highlighting local events, activities, sites, and businesses. To provide your customers with printed copies of the guide to help them explore and navigate the town, please contact us at ed@georgina.ca.

Georgina supporting 22 recipients in 2024 through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant Program

To support the economic impact and wellbeing events have on our community, the Town administers the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant Program. This year, through two intakes, $45,000 is being dispersed to 22 recipients (18 in 2023). These events are not only supported through funding, but also through community connections that encourage partnerships and promotion. If you are interested in learning more about this grant and 2025 opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to our office at ed@georgina.ca.

Local spotlight

Georgina has more than 1,100 businesses, many of which have had tremendous success, in part as a result of the Town's supportive and collaborative community. At the Town, we are dedicated to celebrating the work entrepreneurs have put in to be successful. To read spotlights, visit our blog.

Moetarts from Sutton featured in Toronto Star

Maureen has been building her business from scratch. Initially inspired by a friend who loved her butter tarts and purchased them for her dad, Maureen was encouraged to sell her tarts at a Christmas party in 2005. The butter tarts were so popular that she decided to try selling them at local farmers' markets, including the Georgina Farmers' Market. Today, the business is booming. Her success is a result of her perfected recipe, which has won many awards, as well as Maureen's drive and passion. Read the article where Moetarts was recently featured, which the writer claims is one of their personal favourites.  

You can taste one of Maureen's famous tarts by visiting her shop at 132 High St. in Sutton. Check out the website, moetarts.com, for more information and hours of operation. 

Share your business success story

Do you have a business in Georgina that has experienced success? We want to hear about it. Your story could be featured in an upcoming business spotlight. Request a meeting with us.

Business Support

Registration is open for free online workshop series that supports entrepreneurs in Georgina

This free-of-charge educational workshop series covers topics such as market research and idea validation, building a business plan, setting-up business operations and business financial fundamentals and much more.

Entrepreneurs can attend as many of the workshops as they like where they like as they are all online. Individuals who attend at least seven out of the nine workshops (minimum of one hour on each call), will receive an Innovation York Certificate of Completion.

With many different topics available, there are takeaways for every business at every stage of its journey. The program series kickstarts on June 25 and continues until the end of August.

Not sure where to start? You can set up a free consultation with our team by filling out a short form or by visiting the Entrepreneurship Hub at 1 Market St. in Sutton Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Free small business support program with grant opportunity accepting applications

The Starter Company Plus program provides entrepreneurs aged 18 and over with tailored advice, mentoring and training to help you launch or expand your business. Additionally, you have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $5,000. What you can receive:

• Mentoring from successful local entrepreneurs
• Training tailored to your business
• Business advisory services
• Access to business workshops and valuable networking opportunities
• Opportunity to receive a grant of up to $5,000 in provincial funding

Applications for the Starter Company Plus program are currently open and close on July 10, 2024.

Get a free online directory listing and submit employment data

this summer, York Region surveyors are out connecting with local businesses to gather data for the 2024 Employment Survey. The information collected from the employment survey is used for planning and analysis and also updates the Region's online business directory. Complete the short survey and get a free listing at york.ca/EmploymentSurvey.

Funding Opportunities

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals Program

This program provides financial support to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 in funding. Learn more.

Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)

The EAF provides essential funding, up to $125,000 per project, to enhance accessibility in Canadian communities and workplaces for persons with disabilities. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, non-profits, Indigenous organizations, municipal and territorial governments, registered/licensed Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) centres, and organizations providing transitional, temporary, or emergency housing. 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.

5189 Baseline Rd.,

Sutton

$55,000

141 High St.,

Sutton

$899,000

112 Grew Blvd.,

Jackson's Point

$964,250

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.

Grant recipient events

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