The grant program will offer up to $10,000 to eligible organizations and individuals through four submission deadlines each year.

Small Business
Sheridan Nurseries Marks 110 Years With Grand Opening Of Innovative Garden Centre Concept In Aurora
Sheridan Nurseries has opened a new concept Garden Centre in Aurora, Ontario as it celebrates 110 years of growing with landscape professionals and home gardeners. The company says it is proud to continue to innovate and inspire with products and services…
‘Opportunity to set up for years’: Stouffville Main Street businesses receive boost
That undertaking was difficult but Neumann got a little help through the federal government’s My Main Street Program which doled out $10,000 to 10 businesses in Stouffville. For Neumann, the extra funds made all the difference in the world. “It’s like your head is below water and you come up for this awesome big phenomenal breath of air,” he said. “The grant gives me an opportunity to set up for a few years.”
Aurora farmers market opens Saturday with returning and new vendors
“We have 18 new vendors aside from all of our current vendors, which means we’re spreading throughout the paths,” said Williams while surveying the landscape of Town Park. “It’s crazy how much space we need.”
‘Makes downtown more vibrant’: Stouffville gets set for summer patio season
“The patio program helps with a number of things,” she said. “It makes the downtown more vibrant, which is desperately needed right now. It really does help the local businesses as it does add more charm to Main Street.”
Newmarket student builds business with assistance from York Region grant
The program is offered by more than 50 small business enterprise centres throughout Ontario. The York Small Business Enterprise Centre offers the program to students in the northern six York Region municipalities (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville).
York University innovation hub receives $3 million to support women entrepreneurs
ELLA, run by York University’s innovation hub, YSpace, has received $3 million from a federal government program called Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) to expand support for woman entrepreneurs across the country.
Young Markham filmmakers returning home to make independent short movie
Having both grown up in Markham, the two young men went to York University and Humber College to pursue their film dreams after high school.
Retail, manufacturing and warehouse roles among jobs in demand in Aurora
“There are a lot of new retail developments that are coming to Aurora to keep up with the increasing population and to support the people who are living and working there.”
‘Everyone can be a homepreneur’: Home-based businesses booming in Markham
“Home businesses have been around as long as people have had homes,” said Chris Rickett, director, economic growth, culture and entrepreneurship, at the City of Markham.
‘We needed more space’: East Gwillimbury becoming attractive spot for businesses
#FutureOfWork East Gwillimbury is creating an employment corridor near Woodbine and Green Lane anchored by the new Loblaws Distribution Centre
APPLY NOW to ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative!
ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is now accepting applications. Learn more and apply by March 6!
YSpace Launches Three Programs
Yspace, York University’s entrepreneurship hub, has launched 3 programs this month: Founder Fundamentals, Venture Catalyst and Tech Accelerator.
Construct, a social enterprise by Blue Door, welcomes first cohort at new training centre in Aurora
“There are a lot of employment programs out there, but many are streamlining people into precarious work or employment that pays a minimum wage, but not necessarily a living wage,” explained Emily Rowe, Construct’s senior manager, social enterprise.
York Region’s Top 10 Threats: What’s the plan for your business?
The Regional Municipality of York conducts an annual Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify the top 10 threats facing our communities and York Region businesses. Use it to inform your business continuity plans so your business can be as effective as possible during a service disruption and quickly recover afterwards.
Newmarket Startup Accelerator Marks 250 Successful Participants
By the end of the next cohort in March 2023, the Treefrog Accelerator will have supported 300 founders and wants to expand this to help 400 more individuals in the next two years.
York Region Business Update // December 2022
York Region Economic Development’s monthly e-newsletter shares highlights and news from the business community, small business supports, events, economic data, and more. Check out the December edition now!
Newmarket YouTube Sensation Peter McKinnon Creating Main Street Creators’ Hub
“I like being able to inspire a young generation everywhere. There’s a lot of people around the world who live in small towns like this and I think it’s cool for them to see this successful person who gets to travel the world and do all these cool things but still lives in a town that looks just like theirs.”
Newmarket Pitches future of Town as Arts Hub
“I like the idea of a small town when you’re starting … a small town nobody making it and staying in a small town,” McKinnon said. “I like being able to inspire a younger generation everywhere that there are lots of people around the world that live in small towns like this.”
Business Summit Aims to Propel Newmarket to Next Level
The day was filled with presentations from different key speakers, including Lewis, York University, and local businesses. The summit also featured breakout groups and presentations by students pitching businesses to the gathered crowd.
York Region Business Update // November 2022
York Region Economic Development’s monthly e-newsletter shares highlights and news from the business community, small business supports, events, economic data, and more. Check out the November edition now!
Are You Up For The Single-Use Innovation Challenge?
Apply today to the Single-Use Innovation Challenge for a chance to receive up to $20,000 in funding.
York Region Business Update // October 2022
York Region Economic Development’s monthly e-newsletter shares highlights and news from the business community, small business supports, events, economic data, and more. Check out the October edition now!
Small Business Week
Join us in celebrating Small Business Week 2022, which takes place from October 16-22 and is a national celebration of entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada’s economy.
‘Explore to be Your Own Boss’: Markham’s Entrepreneurial Community Enables Small Businesses to Thrive
In 2021, as a participant of the Markham Small Business Centre’s Summer Company program, where youth get up to $3,000 to start a business and hands-on training and mentorship, Wong started Shoops & Letters, which provides unique customer lettering and artwork services.
Is Your Business Protected From Cyber Threats? Simple Tips From ESET During Cybersecurity Month
Earlier this year, Telus conducted a study on ransomware attacks with a staggering finding that 83% of Canadian businesses surveyed reported attempted attacks and 64% indicated they had experienced one. Read these useful digital security tips from ESET’s Chief Security Evangelist, Tony Anscombe in our latest #YRtech Blog in support of Canada’s Cybersecurity Month.
York Region Business Update // September 2022
York Region Economic Development’s monthly e-newsletter shares highlights and news from the business community, small business supports, events, economic data, and more. Check out the September edition now!
Markham Teen’s Passion for Art Evolves into Business Venture with Help From Summer Company Program
“I was inspired by my fellow art friends on social media to open up an art product shop so that I would be able to physically share my art with a larger audience,” said Lum.
Stouffville Teen’s Passion for Photography Evolves into Business Venture with Help From Summer Company Program
Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who registered to return to school full-time the following September are eligible to apply.
The program “helps students learn critical skills such as financial management, networking, and creating a detailed business plan,” he adds.
York Region Showcases Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Summer Company program offers mentorship and start-up funding of $3,000. York Region small business consultant Vivian Ho-Tam said it is an important way to help aspiring young business owners.