Blog

Business owners choose Georgina to start and expand their small businesses

Owning and operating a small business involves passion and a great deal of hard work. When choosing to start or expand a business, you want to ensure you’ve chosen a place where you feel supported by your community, where you see opportunity and growth to ensure long-term success, and where you can relax and enjoy where you live with a balanced work/life lifestyle. 

Stay tuned for Small Business Week events in 2025 between Oct. 19 and 25, when we, once again, partner with local organizations and business stakeholders with a whole week of events to celebrate and help small businesses grow. Until then, connect with us for support on how to start or expand your business in the Town of Georgina.

It can be overwhelming at times for tourism businesses and event organizers to know what resources are available to help promote their business and events to a wider market. A tourism business includes many businesses such as hotels and resorts (accommodations), restaurants (food and beverage), art galleries and cinemas (entertainment), boutique shops and more. It is essentially any business that a visitor would access during a short-term or long-term stay. Below is a list of valuable resources you can take advantage of to increase your business or event exposure.

Local businesses in the Town of Georgina are set to receive valuable assistance with the introduction of the Digital Main Street program, a collaborative effort between the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury.

A snapshot of programs and successes at YSpace in 2023

Georgina’s partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University’s YSpace has been wildly successful, supporting many businesses in the initial stages of their entrepreneurship journey and those looking for assistance to expand or grow their business. The best part is that it has all been free to the participants thanks to financial support from the partnership and the Province’s Rural Economic Development grant program.

Transformative healing and personal growth

Nestled in the heart of Georgina, Jacinta Healing Arts is a shining testament to the power of holistic healing and personal growth. We are delighted to showcase Jacinta Yang's inspiring journey as an author and gifted holistic healer, emphasizing her participation in the YSpace program and in our vibrant community.

From dreams to reality: How Maureen McDermott started a thriving business in Georgina

Georgina, Ontario is not just a beautiful lakeside town; it's also a place where dreams of entrepreneurship come true. Maureen McDermott, the creative mind behind Maureen McDermott the Officiant, is a living testament to the success that can be achieved when you start a business in Georgina. With her business flourishing after participating in the YSpace Business Incubator/Accelerator program, Maureen's journey is truly inspiring.

What is a Business Improvement Area?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area that work in partnership with the Town to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, tourists, new businesses and residents.