Programs and Initiatives
- Business Concierge Program to assist developers
- Grants to support non-profits, local businesses and festival and event program organizers
- YSpace Entrepreneurship Hub - entrepreneurship and skills development training
- Patio Program for dining establishments to expand their space and enhance their experiences
- Georgina Made campaign and business directory
- Grown in Georgina campaign to boost agri-tourism and support sustainable agriculture
- Business Improvement Area (BIA) board support and beautification
- Tourism guide publications
- Town-led annual events that have an economic impact on the community – Field to Table and Taste of Georgina
Economic Development and Tourism staff also provide support through committees, organization board memberships, marketing efforts and events, as well as being part of major Town projects like the Waterfront Parks Master Plan. We coordinate seasonal banners and holiday decorations in our core and downtown areas, facilitate and encourage public art initiatives and work with other departments to beautify Georgina and create a sense of place. Staff work to establish partnerships and empower businesses to do the same, with the understanding that thriving communities are built upon relationships. When possible, the office partners with other levels of government to support our programs and initiatives.
Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
The Town of Georgina underwent the process of developing a five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy in 2023 to further strengthen and diversify the local economy. Learn more.
Year in Review publications
Newsletters
Nov., 2024 Georgina welcomes first tenant in the Keswick Business Park
Oct., 2024 Georgina and partners plan a week of events to celebrate and grow small businesses
Sept., 2024 Georgina and partners plan a week of events to celebrate and grow small businesses
Aug., 2024 Entrepreneurship support evolves to support small business growth in Georgina
July, 2024 Georgina and partners sign an MOU to improve local health and wellness
June, 2024 Town supporting 22 recipients in 2024 through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant Program
May, 2024 Town of Georgina to offer Vendor Pilot Program at waterfront parks
April, 2024 Georgina will continue to support entrepreneurship start-ups and growth until 2026 through programming
March, 2024 Georgina rolls out a new five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
Feb., 2024 A snapshot of Georgina's economy and initiative highlights in 2023
Jan., 2024 Tourism guide showcases why Georgina is a thriving winter destination
Dec., 2023 A snapshot of programs and successes at YSpace in 2023
Nov., 2023 Business park video promotes Georgina's employment land investment opportunities
Oct., 2023 Streamlined grant program launched for non-profit community organizations
Sept., 2023 Georgina partners with York Region to launch new economic development website
Sept., 2023 New Indigenous art installed in downtown at Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture
Aug., 2023 Georgina engages with the community to help create its next Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
July, 2023 Town focusing on investment attraction
May, 2023 Georgina launches 2023 summer/fall tourism guide
April, 2023 Town receives funding to invest in its Business Improvement Areas
March, 2023 Town of Georgina Economic Development and Tourism 2022 Year in Review
Feb., 2023 Business park website launched to promote new development
Jan., 2023 2022 Economic Development and Tourism highlights
Dec., 2022 Town accepting applications for early 2023 events that will have an economic impact
Nov., 2022 200-acre business park breaks ground in Georgina
Oct., 2022 Development fees and rebate program updated to assist and attract investors
Sept., 2022 Entrepreneurs take advantage of free skills development training
Aug., 2022 Georgina's designated Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) receive funding to boost tourism
July, 2022 Entrepreneurs take advantage of free skills development training
June, 2022 Georgina reconnects with the community at first in-person business event in two years
May, 2022 The Town welcomes residents and visitors to rediscover Georgina this summer/fall
April, 2022 Why businesses choose the Town of Georgina
April, 2022 Keswick Business Park - Phase 1 to begin fall 2022
March, 2022 New partnership program launches to support entrepreneurs in Georgina
March, 2022 A look back at another unprecedented year and the efforts made to support our economy
Feb., 2022 Town seeks input from business community on economic recovery
Jan., 2022 Town extends and revises COVID-19 business support programs
Jan., 2022 Town continues to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dec., 2021 Connecting with short-term rental owners to boost tourism
Nov., 2021 Multi-use Recreation Complex breaks ground to support Georgina's residents
Oct., 2021 Applications open for the Business Bounce Back Program's third and final cohort
Oct., 2021 Local Food Newsletter
Sept., 2021 Georgina Studio Tour showcases growing art community
Sept., 2021 Grown in Georgina project supports local farmers and agri-businesses
Aug., 2021 Town seeks feedback on Waterfront Parks Master Plan design concepts
July, 2021 Initial steps made to consider the merger of Jackson's Point/Sutton Business Improvement Areas
July, 2021 Town of Georgina's grant program helps with downtown revitalization
June, 2021 Town releases 2021 Discover Georgina Guide
June, 2021 Georgina prepares to reopen
May, 2021 Tourism and hospitality program launches to assist with economic recovery
May, 2021 Development activity is increasing in Georgina
April, 2021 Scott-Woods Transport invests in Georgina
April, 2021 2020 Year in Review
March, 2021 Town prepares to launch a new online directory celebrating locally made products
March, 2021 Development incentive program updated to support larger development
Feb., 2021 Taste of Georgina event brings new customers to Georgina restaurants
Feb. 2021 Business Park will bring 200 acres of industrial development to Georgina
Jan., 2021 Town extends COVID-19 business support programs to the end of 2021
July 8, 2020 New Economic Recovery Team programs launched
June 9, 2020 Economic Recovery Team updates and Shop Local Georgina Day
May 22, 2020 New customer service hours at the Town of Georgina
May 7, 2020 Ontario Eases Restrictions on Retail Stores and Essential Construction
April 23, 2020 Georgina Emergency Response Benefit approved to assist businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19
April 9, 2020 Addressing concerns in response to COVID-19
March 26, 2020 COVID-19 business support
March 9, 2020 Changes to the timeframe it takes to issue site plan approval
Feb. 21, 2020 Georgina launches interactive business dashboard tool
Feb. 5, 2020 Development update
Jan. 15, 2020 World-renowned ice fishing in Georgina
Dec. 19, 2019 2019 Successes
Economic Development and Tourism Staff
Karyn Stone, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism
kstone@georgina.ca
Katrina Ellis, Investment Attraction Marketing and Special Projects Supervisor
kellis@georgina.ca
Julie Cain, Economic Development Officer - Downtown Revitalization and BIA Liaison
jcain@georgina.ca
Cristina Liu, Economic Development Officer - Tourism Product Development and Marketing
cliu@georgina.ca
Negin Khorasani, Business Entrepreneurship Coordinator
nkhorasani@georgina.ca
Karina Scott, Business Entrepreneurship Assistant
kscott@georgina.ca
Not sure who you should connect with? Fill out our general inquiry form and a staff member will follow up. You can also reach us by phone at 905-476-4301.