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.
Start your journey with an Idea Consultation
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.
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.
Mentorship
Our mentorship programs connect 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 mentorship, 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!
Networking
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 at stsimpson@georgina.ca.
Digital Skills for Business Program
This free, enhanced workshop series is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners strengthen their online presence and close the digital skills gap.
Digital Skills for Business expands hands-on learning opportunities and introduces timely topics like AI marketing, advanced SEO, analytics and content creation — all led by industry experts with practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately.
- In-person workshops in Georgina and East Gwillimbury
- Virtual sessions for flexible learning
- Hands-on Canva and content creation intensives
- Delivered in partnership with YSpace at York University
Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, this 8-week program provides the tools, confidence and skills to succeed in today’s digital-first business environment.
Digital Skills for Business Workshop Series
This free, enhanced workshop series is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners strengthen their online presence and close the digital skills gap. Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, this 8-week program provides the tools, confidence and skills to succeed in today’s digital-first business environment.
Format: Virtual
Duration: January through March
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.
Free Pop-Up Workshop with Leo Chan
Format: In person
Duration: Jan. 30 at 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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.
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 4 p.m.
- Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Staff
Stephanie Simpson, 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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