How to start a business in the Town of Georgina
It’s an exciting time to do business in the Town of Georgina. It has some of the most affordable opportunities in Ontario’s fastest-growing economy and one of the largest business park developments within 30-40 minutes from urban centres in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Town's Economic Development and Tourism office assists new and existing businesses in reaching their entrepreneurship goals with incentives, development support, site selection, marketing, training and more. Connect to see how Georgina can help your business thrive.
“In the last 20 years, there has been a lot of growth, not just in population but in industry. There is a lot of building, lots more industry too and tourism. There’s been a lot more to attract people from everywhere to come up to such a beautiful town,” said Debbie, the owner of Sweet Pea Boutique.
Hear from other businesses owners on why they chose Georgina in our blog.
Registering your business
Register your business
Access in-person, one-to-one support for business registrations, name searches and incorporation at the York Small Business Enterprise Centre or South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation, or visit Service Ontario online for a step-by-step guide. Once registered, consider using a trademark to protect your business name.
The Town of Georgina licenses, regulates and governs certain types of businesses operating within the Town for the purpose of public health and safety, consumer protection and nuisance prevention.
We know how confusing it can be to get a business licence. To help simplify the process the Town offers the application process online through our online application portal.
- Adult entertainment facility
- Adult entertainment parlour
- Bed and breakfast
- Body rub parlour
- Exhibition and festivals
- Fireworks
- Hawker and pedlar
- Horse riding establishment
- Kennel
- Refreshment vehicle
- Salvage yard
- Second-hand goods
- Special sales
- Taxis, limos, and other
For more information and licensing help visit georgina.ca or ask for a licensing coordinator at 905-476-4301.
Restaurants or catering businesses
The Town of Georgina does not license restaurants. Based on the nature of your business, you may need to contact the York Region Health Department at 1-800-361-5653 or by email at Health.Inspectors@york.ca.
Developing a business plan
Before starting your business plan
Here are some resources to help you decide if entrepreneurship is for you. The Canada Business Network and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) offer online tool guides to the research and planning you should do before taking the plunge, including an Entrepreneurial potential self-assessment tool.
Develop your business plan
A business plan is an outline for the development, execution and control of a new or existing business. Visit the York Small Business Enterprise Centre or South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation for a one-to-one consultation on business plan development or access Canada Business Network's online guide to writing a business plan.
Operating a home-based business
Home-based businesses constitute a growing trend, and local residents need to gain an understanding of the municipal requirements for starting such a business. They are permitted within a variety of residential zone categories subject to compliance with certain criteria. Learn more about operating businesses from residential properties. If you are looking to expand your business to a commercial or industrial location, contact our office.
Connect with us. Fill out our general inquiry form and a staff member will follow up. You can also reach us by phone at 905-476-4301.