Chris Cartwright and Bill Gianopoulos team up to organize and support a marketplace experience for young people with fledgling businesses
Small Business
Muddy York Brewing spreading its wings in Stouffville
“We realized that Stouffville doesn’t have a brewery and we thought it would be a good idea to look at some options here,” Michalek said.
Summer Company Success Story: AV Interiors
At just 16, Venneri founded AV Interiors, a mobile car detailing service that brings luxury treatment right to client’s driveway.
YSBEC Success Story: Coconut Village Nails Spa
Phiona started Coconut Village in 2019 and built her spa with support from the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.
York Region thrives as business hub where talent and opportunity intersect
“Identifying challenges in the business community and taking action to overcome them is the backbone of the 2024 to 2027 Economic Development Action Plan,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “The 2024 to 2027 Action Plan builds on important work already underway to complement our partners’ efforts and drive economic prosperity together.”
‘Truly something huge’: Nemarket’s Ghost Taco celebrates its journey to success
One of Newmarket’s most popular Main Street eateries, born as a pandemic pop-up, celebrated its journey to success with an official grand opening March 1.
Richmond Hill offering free sessions for women entrepreneurs
Small Business Enterprise Centre offering webinars, in-person events March 4 to 8 for women starting, running businesses to mark International Women’s Day.
More than $1 million in funding approved to support women entrepreneurs and attract international businesses to York Region
“Economic vitality remains a strategic priority for York Regional Council and it is integral our local businesses have resources to help them succeed,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Additional funding provided through York Region’s Innovation Fund will empower growing businesses, attract international entrepreneurs and support foreign direct investment, strengthening York Region as a thriving hub for talent and opportunity.”
York Region creates new plan to boost business, economy, workforce
York Region business and research leaders are welcoming a new strategy to help develop the regional economy and businesses.
Newmarket creating $1 million fund to boost economic vibrancy and create community brand
The town is now creating a $1-million fund — drawn from existing reserves, not paid by taxpayers — to boost economic vibrancy by attracting companies and creating jobs, and to create a community brand.
Launch of Digital Main Street program in partnership with the Town of Georgina and Town of East Gwillimbury
Local businesses in the Town of Georgina are set to receive valuable assistance with the introduction of the Digital Main Street program, a collaborative effort between the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury.
Announcing the third cohort of ventureLAB’s Accelerate AI
ventureLAB is proud to announce the 3rd cohort of the Accelerate AI program. This transformative 6-month program is designed to champion the growth and scaling of AI startups, empowering them to deliver cutting-edge solutions and applications that tackle the challenges in the modern industry!
Government of Canada invests in main streets and neighbourhoods across southern Ontario
With this investment, the organization will launch two new programs through MMS to provide funding and support for businesses and community organizations across southern Ontario. The new programs will support up to 325 businesses on main streets across 100 communities, along with 75 community projects promoting high-impact placemaking activities. These activities will help draw people to main streets and encourage locals and visitors to support an estimated 2,500 community businesses and organizations.
York Region giving $1.08M boost to international, women-led businesses
The funding proposed would be over three years and would come from the region’s Innovation Investment Fund, which the region includes in its budget to support innovative projects on an application basis.
Newmarket launching new ‘iconic’ event on Main Street this winter
Main Street from Water Street to Park Avenue is proposed to have live entertainment after 5 p.m., with restaurants invited to have outdoor expansion zones that the town will oversee. Some attractions will include igloo lounges rented for the southern portion of Main Street, two zones dedicated to ice bars, and a sign highlighting the event meant for photography from the Park Avenue entrance. There will also be art and ice sculpture installations.
YSBEC Success Story: Young at Heart Painting
Check out the latest YSBEC success story about Young at Heart Painting, which leveraged small business support services to help their company grow.
Ghost Taco arrives on Newmarket Main Street
Ghost Taco began as a pop-up restaurant at EventMrkt in 2021 as a way to keep staff working during lockdowns. Its popularity prompted the Buckleys, who also own Ground Burger Bar, to expand to a permanent location.
Aurora restaurateur’s challenge to help feed those in need goes viral
Now, as owner of Tina’s Grill, the popular restaurant in Aurora’s southwest, Saberi is working hard to help families stave off hunger and erase any sort of stigma in the process.
Aurora’s Christmas Market features vendors, attractions, performers
Top 100 Ontario event in Town Park Dec. 1-3, 8-10 features 115 vendors, buskers, geodome, inflatables playground, Christmas tree lighting.
Iranian couple starts KO Club Kickboxing and Martial Arts Fitness in Aurora
In March 2021, they managed to open their own gym — KO Club Kickboxing and Martial Arts Fitness in Aurora.
Ask the Expert: Strategic marketing tactics – building your brand in northern York Region
We’re back with another edition of Ask the Expert! This blog series aims to answer the most common questions that we receive from new or prospective entrepreneurs. Joining us this month is Maryam Golabgir, Chief Amazement Officer at Digital Marketing Experts.
Richmond Hill headquartered Staples Canada celebrates small business owners by announcing Boost My Biz contest winners
In June, small business owners across Canada were encouraged to share their story of how their business is making an impact in their community and why they deserve a boost. Staples received an incredible response with submissions from a wide range of businesses in every sector.
Small business support program helps bring Markham businesses into digital world
“What they offered was over and above our expectations, and many aspects of the programs, such as one-on-one support, financial assistance, and resources, were real lifelines for us.”
Newmarket among 10 new Investing in Women’s Futures program locations
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment.
‘We love it here’: Brew It Coffee Bar opens in Newmarket
Last month, Mocanu’s dream became a reality when she opened Brew It Coffee Bar, at 460 Davis Dr. in Newmarket.
Ask the expert: navigating business resources in York Region – a guide for small enterprises
We’re back with another edition of Ask the Expert! This blog series aims to answer the most common questions that we receive from new or prospective entrepreneurs. Joining us this week is Daniela Mazzaferro, Senior Small Business Consultant with our YSBEC team.
Small Business Week
Join us in celebrating Small Business Week 2023, which takes place from October 15 – 21 and is a national celebration of entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada’s economy.
Newmarket, East Gwillimbury chambers of commerce merge
Union brings expanded and improved services, networking, says Chris Emanuel, who will continue in his role as president and CEO at new Central York Chamber
‘King’ of King Scoops opens ice-cream shop in King City
King City parents have helped, promoted, and supported him on Instagram, especially the soccer dads since there’s a soccer field right next door to his house, which is in the Keele Street and King Road area.
Student businesses soar through York Region summer program
The York Small Business Enterprise Centre celebrated another successful flight of students in its summer business program on Aug. 25, with a display of their success at 17150 Yonge St. The program invites nine students from secondary or post-secondary schools in York Region to start up their own businesses, receive skills development, mentoring and up to $3,000 of financial support.