Doing Business

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 to reach their entrepreneurship goals with incentives, development support, site selection, marketing, training and more. Connect to see how Georgina can help your business thrive.

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.

Register your business

Access in-person, one-to-one support for business registrations, name searches and incorporation at 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. Depending on the nature of your business, you may have to register at the Town of Georgina.

The Town of Georgina provides licensing to the following categories of businesses. BizPal will help in streamlining your business permit and licensing experience. If you require further assistance, contact the Town’s Economic Development Office (905)-476-4301.

• Adult Entertainment Facility
• Adult Entertainment Parlour
• Bed & Breakfast
• Body Rub Parlour
• Exhibition & Festivals
• Fireworks
• Hawker & Pedlar
• Horse Riding Establishment
• Kennel
• Refreshment Vehicle
• Salvage Yard
• Second-Hand Goods
• Special Sales
• Taxis, Limos, Other

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.

Home-based business

Home-based businesses constitute a growing trend and local residents need to gain an understanding of the municipal requirements of 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 Economic Development and Tourism Office.

Expansion

Providing established businesses with the tools and support they need to meet their goals is important as they are community ambassadors that represent our area and have an established commitment to Georgina. In order to help them succeed, the Town has a dedicated Economic Development officer to assist with information and support with by-laws, zoning, programs, funding and more. 

Training and skills development

In 2021, the Town partnered with the Town of East Gwillimbury and York University to offer skills training to established businesses and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Our team continues to work with our partners to develop training programs to assist our businesses. To learn about current programming, visit georgina.ca/yspace.

Downtown business improvement areas

If your business is located in one of Georgina’s three business improvement areas, you can apply for a grant under the Community Improvement Plan to enhance your storefront facade, landscaping or accessibility. You may also be eligible for COVID-19 grants to financially assist with setting up a temporary patio, enhancing technology or renovations to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic recovery support programs

COVID-19 business support programs are available to businesses and organizations until the end of 2022, which include grants, a development application fee rebate and a patio program. We encourage businesses and organizations looking for economic recovery support to connect with us to see how the Town can help. 

Marketing support

The Town of Georgina recognizes the contribution our businesses make to our economy, large and small, and is dedicated to supporting and promoting their achievements. Businesses are highlighted through a number of traditional and online marketing channels, as well as initiatives like Georgina Made and signature events. Learn more about what the Town does to support businesses through the Economic Development and Tourism office.

There are many useful resources, business links and associations available to assist your business. 

Business, employment and training services in Georgina

• Georgina Chamber of Commerce
• Georgina Trades Training Institute
• Job Skills
• Learning Centre for Georgina
• South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation

Regional resources and support

• Workforce Planning Board of York Region
• Central Counties Tourism Business
• York Region Economic Development
• York Region - Broadband Study
• York Region Small Business Enterprise Centre
• experienceyorkregion.com (York Region Tourism)

Other resources

• Digital Main Street and VentureLAB (digital technology support and funding)
• mentorworks.ca (government funding)
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Entrepreneurship Institute of Canada
• Industry Canada Online