Week of March 18 - 22  , 2019
Georgina Economic Development Updates
Over 1,300 new jobs in Georgina since 2008!employment
Every year York Region conducts an employment survey to determine what the market consists of throughout the Region. The 2018 data for Georgina has just been released with some key highlights below. 
  • Since 2008, the Town of Georgina has added over 1,300 jobs to its employment base.
  • Since 2008, full-time employment in Georgina has grown by almost 600 jobs
  • Employment has grown by 300 jobs from 2017 to 2018
  • Between 2008-2018 the educations services sector posted the largest employment gain adding 390 jobs
  • Real Estate and Educational Services were the top growth sectors between 2017-2018, increasing by 113 and 246 jobs respectively
  • The Retail trade (21 per cent), accommodation & food services (16 per cent) and educational services (16 per cent) sectors account for the three largest shares of employment in Georgina 
Click Here to view the full summary
Do-It-Yourself Search Engine Optimization Workshop in Georginaysbec

You don't need to pay a company by the word to make blog posts for you just to be seen on Google. Join Canada's first blogger (Rick Tanton) for a look at ways to promote your business that not only boost your search presence but help you share your knowledge, be seen as an expert, and convert more leads to sales. Learn the delicate balance between keyword research and writing like a real person, the emergence of podcasts and how you could use them to share your expertise, and how to prepare for a Google Home & Alexa world of voice searches. Marketing yourself can be fun!

Brought to you by the York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC)

Date: May 22, 2019
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Accessible Main Street Webinarsobiaa
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) has long been a champion of accessible main streets and businesses. In a new 4-part webinar series commencing on March 28, BIA's and their business members will learn about how Ontario businesses are championing accessibility, including being more age-friendly; how BIA's can work more collaboratively with their local Accessibility Advisory Committee and municipal staff; how to remove, reduce, and prevent main street accessibility barriers; and how to tap into more tourism dollars.

Webinar #1: Role of BIA's in Accessible Main Streets
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register Here

Webinar #2: Meeting the Needs of Your Customers Accessible Customer Service
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register Here 

Webinar #3: The Business of Aging
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register Here 

Webinar #4: Accessible Heritage
Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register Here
Private Property Tree Planting Program - Get Advice, Planting Help and Instructions for Aftercare!leaf

LEAF offers a Subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program which helps you enjoy the many benefits of trees by planting the right tree in the right place. You will get an arborist consultation at your property, a 5 to 8 foot native tree and full planting service, all for $150-$220 (half the full cost!). Houses, multi-units and business/industrial properties all qualify. LEAF also has a Do-It-Yourself option, for those who like to get their hands dirty! For more information, visit LEAF or call 1-888-453-6504.

BONUS - If you're replacing ash trees lost to emerald ash borer, you may qualify for an extra $100 rebate!


Click Here for more info. 
Economic Development & Community Building Grant Programintake

Be sure to submit your applications on time for when your event takes place. Please note that you cannot apply within 120 days of when your event takes place.   The updated application form can be downloaded on choosegeorgina.ca.

Some updates to the 2019 grant process include:
  • The Economic Development Committee (EDC) will review applications at two remaining intake periods (May 1 and September 1). After a grant application is considered by the EDC, a report with recommendations will be provided to Council for final approval.
  • Organizers may receive funding towards their festival or event up to a maximum of $5,000.
  • For any expenses that exceed $500 and for which funding is being requested, a quote must be provided with the grant application.
For more information or to apply, contact
Sean Columbus at scolumbus@georgina.ca  or call 905-476-4301 ext. 2330
Development Application Fee Rebate Programrebate
Council recently approved the implementation of a Development Application Fee Rebate Program. This is just one of the initiatives Council has approved to encourage new investment and expansion of our existing businesses. Eligibility for this new incentive program will be related to the number of full-time jobs created/retained and the amount of office, industrial or institutional floor area created.

Click Here for full details on the program and apply today.
No Customers? Try Fixing Up Your Business! Apply Now for a Community Improvement Plan Grant.cipprogram

Pepperwood Design Before and After Facade enhancements.

Is your building in need of improvements? A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is intended to improve a defined area within a community that has been identified as in need of revitalization. The CIP articulates a vision for Uptown Keswick, Downtown Sutton and Downtown Jackson's Point.

Click Here to view the application forms.  Please note the CIP Grants are only available for businesses within the BIA Boundaries. Applications must be submitted & approved before work starts.

Contact Sean Columbus at 905-476-4301 ext. 2330 or scolumbus@georgina.ca for more information.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
$499,000
For Sale
944 Lake Dr E, Jackson's Point

If you have a property listed for sale or for lease that you wish to have featured in upcoming editions of the
e-newsletter please contact ed@georgina.ca 

For a map of "For Sale" listings of Commercial & Industrial Properties please Click Here. 

Disclaimer: Listings are provided to the Town from brokers, real estate agents, and various real estate websites. The Town of Georgina assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information shown, and does not make any representation, warranties or guarantees of any kind in relation to the listings in this e-newsletter or the properties described therein.  Please contact the real estate agent or other contact person identified on the listing to verify all information.
BUSINESS & MARKETING TIPS
Why should you add your business's geographical location to your digital content? Known as 'geotagging', it will increase the visibility of your posts on social networks and help grow your followers by revealing exactly where you are. That makes it easy for customers to find your business offline.

What Tagging Can Do for Your Business
  • It helps boost engagement and raises your brand's profile by exposing your business to new audiences.
  • You can use a location hashtag as a promotional tool to offer discounts to customers who visit your business.
  • Geotags can provide you with a view to what others are posting about your business or region by searching your brand name, location, and the hashtags you use.
  • Tagging other people, businesses, or associations in your posts serves two purposes. First, the people or company you tag in your posts will see what you shared, and it gives them the permission to re-share what you published (double the exposure!). 
Article Courtesy of Liam Lahey
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 






No Customers? Fix Up Your Business!
Apply for 2019 Community Improvement Plan Grant
 

Featured Commercial Properties

Upcoming Events

2019 Georgina Group Business Consultations

Are you thinking of starting a business? Participating in a group consultation is a great way to navigate the initial steps to starting a business. Group Consultations are driven by the attending participants and their questions.

Dates: May 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

____________________

2019 Georgina One-on-one Business Consultations

Whether you are a new business or you are already established, let's review your ideas and business needs together. Consultations cover information on marketing, business planning, financing to help you move forward and grow your business.

Dates: April 16, June 19
Time: Between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 


or call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 71584

2019 BIA Conference March 31 to April 3, 2019.

The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), since 2001, acts as an important resource for education, partnership and collaboration to each BIA across the province. 

OBIAA recognizes the power of networking, the strength in numbers and the value of sharing common concerns and finding resolutions specific to our individual communities.


Click Here  to Register and for full details.

Upcoming Events at Stephen Leacock Theatre 

Check out these exciting events.

April 27, 2019 - Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

May 11, 2019 - Last Waltz Live (A Musical Celebration of The Band

June 1, 2019 - The Good Brothers

July 6, 2019 - Brothers Gibb: The Bee Gees Story

August 23, 2019 - "ABBA Magic" 

Click Here for more details and for full listing of productions.

Community Economic Development 101: Workshop for Municipal Councillors & Volunteers April 17, 2019

Learn the basics of community economic development (CED) and take away practical tools to help your municipality develop & implement a strategy. CED is the process of fostering an environment that results in the creation of wealth and well-being for the benefit of the entire community.


During the workshop we will cover:
  •  What CED is and why it is important to your community
  • The value of planning in your community
  • Collaborative roles of individuals and organizations
  • Tools and resources that are available and how they assist you
Location:  Trisan Centre, Curling Club Lounge (2nd Floor), 25 Dillane Drive, Schomberg, Ontario

Click Here for full details

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Discover Georgina Show May 4th & 5th, 2019

Mark your calendar for a weekend that showcases all the great things Georgina has to offer!  
 
Discover Georgina is a show for everyone, featuring businesses and organizations that have something to offer our municipality.  Whether you live, work or play in this community, this show has something to offer you!


Click Here for full details

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar

Click Here for full details

Sutton Workshops & Events April Calendar

Click Here for full details

Georgina Trades Training Inc. 2019 Calendar of Events

Click Here for full details
Town of Georgina - Economic Development & Tourism Division | 905-476-4301
| ed@georgina.ca | www.georgina.ca
Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, L4P 3G1