Georgina Entrepreneurship Hub
Programming by York University's YSpace
The Town of Georgina and East Gwillimbury have partnered with York University’s premier entrepreneurship hub, YSpace, to offer a suite of programs supporting businesses in their home communities. This partnership leverages existing facilities and programs to create an ecosystem that supports coworking and collaboration, fostering new business development as well as personal and professional development for recent and seasoned entrepreneurs. Participants have access to free training, both online and in person, mentorship and co-working space for collaboration.
Since 2021, Georgina’s partnership with East Gwillimbury and York University has provided support to hundreds of new and existing entrepreneurs. Learn about some of their success stories in our blog.
“The support I’ve been getting from YSpace is so great that I feel like I’m literally being led by the hand to get to where I need, and it can’t get better than that… I feel very fortunate to be in a community where people feel so strongly about helping each other,” said Jacinta, owner of Jacinta Healing Arts and YSpace participant.
YSpace eligibility
Programs are open to entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations and the surrounding area.
Small Business Month Workshops and Events
- Instagram Impact: Build, Grow & Convert with a Strategy that Works, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., hosted by YSpace in partnership with Stella Graphix
- Mastering Cash Flow: Use a 13-Week Forecast for Better Business Decisions, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m., hosted by YSpace
- Work Smarter with AI: Time-Saving Tools for Small Business Owners, Oct. 21 at 9:30, hosted by YSpace in partnership with ventureLAB
- Business After 5 networking event hosted by the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m.
- Cash Flow Projections: The What, Why and How, Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in Sutton
- Georgina Chamber of Commerce Open House, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- How Financial Modeling Helps Your Business Decisions, Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m., hosted by YSpace
- Beyond the Buzz: Podcasting for Business Growth with Amanda Cupido, presented in partnership by the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, Georgina Public Library and Stephen Leacock Theatre, on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
York Region also has a number of events to take advantage of. Visit, yorklink.ca/events to learn more and register.
Idea Consultations
Free one-on-one consultation services that connect local small businesses with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how our entrepreneurial ecosystem can help your idea come to life. Idea consultations are the first step to becoming a YSpace participant. As a participant, you will receive a defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs and gain access to all other YSpace programs and support, such as mentorship, workshops facilitated by industry leaders, resources, networking opportunities and much more!
Format: Online and in-person.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in the northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations and the surrounding area.
Business Plan Bootcamp
Business Plan Bootcamp is an eight-week, free workshop series that helps aspiring or existing business owners write and develop their business plan. Participants will learn from weekly on-demand workshops, meet with mentors, receive bi-weekly one-on-one support and network with other business owners.
Format: In person and online
Duration: Monday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Dec. 12. Applications close on Oct. 12.
Eligibility: The program is open to entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the surrounding area.
Entrepreneurs in Residence
The EIR Program connects local YSpace participants with seasoned entrepreneurs who have diverse industry expertise. Our experienced mentors will work closely with you, providing personalized guidance and support to help grow your business and drive its success.
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
To be considered for the EIR Program, applicants must have completed an intensive YSpace program such as Business Plan Bootcamp or equivalent. We believe that this prerequisite provides a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to the next level.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Peer-to-Peer
The Peer-to-Peer program is where fast-growth technology company leaders, entrepreneurs and executives can come together for in-person sessions to exchange information that will help them expand their businesses. Participants generate lasting relationships through meeting regularly to network, learn, and lead their organizations to achieve even greater business success.
Format: In person on the last Thursday of every month.
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Thursday Thrive
Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to drop in on select Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 1 Market St. in Sutton to showcase their businesses, services, or offers and connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. No registration is required to attend. However, if you'd like to be a featured presenter and formally showcase your business, please connect with us in advance to select a date—this will also allow us to help spread the word on our social media channels. To learn about upcoming sessions or to feature your venture, email us.
Mentor Match
Seeking mentorship from experienced business experts to kickstart or enhance your small business venture? Explore our Mentor Match program and get paired with mentor(s) who align with your entrepreneurial goals.
Get ready to take your business journey to the next level with personalized guidance and insights!
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Have you already completed an Idea Consultation? Email our Business Entrepreneurship Coordinator, Negin Khorasani to discuss your next steps.
Connect with us
Dive into the ultimate co-working environment to ignite your business goals!
Join us and unlock endless opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. Whether you're a startup founder, a freelance visionary or an established entrepreneur, our doors are wide open to assist your journey.
Phone: 905-955-8295
Address: 1 Market St., Sutton, ON L0E 1R0
Physical Location Hours:
- Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Staff
Negin Khorasani, Business Entrepreneurship Coordinator
Karina Scott, Business Entrepreneurship Assistant
Additional entrepreneurship resources and support
There are many additional resources and support available to assist your business. Learn more about these opportunities and how they can help.
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