“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.”
Small Business (page 2)
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.
Summer Company program ‘set new benchmark’ for entrepreneurship
“This year, our program has set a new benchmark for youth entrepreneurship in York Region,” says YSBEC Small Business Consultant Ammar Rizvi. “The dedication, creativity and passion of our 2023 participants has exceeded our expectations.”
Italian eatery Buca opens new location in Vaughan
With the new Vaughan location, Buca aims to fuse the inspirations of its original King Street and coastal Italian Yorkville establishments, while introducing unique elements that highlight the best of both locations and beyond.
Ontario Supporting More Innovation in Growing Tech Sector
The province’s $107 million Critical Technology Initiatives funding supports programs led by not-for-profit organizations that will accelerate the use of critical technology by Ontario companies and enable the development of innovative made-in-Ontario solutions. Full news release: news.ontario.ca
Culture, recreation-based initiatives could get up to $10K from Aurora’s new community grant program
The grant program will offer up to $10,000 to eligible organizations and individuals through four submission deadlines each year.
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.
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.