In the middle of the pandemic, they launched The Maker’s Mark. On Nov. 28, the Newmarket business marked its first anniversary.

Small Business (page 3)
York Region’s First Supermoon Japanese Cheesecake Store Opens in Newmarket
With lineups out the door, Wasim Jarrah considers his new business, Supermoon Japanese Cheesecake, to be a success.
York Region Business Update // December 2021
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!
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Elya Djaffar
In this edition of our team spotlight series, we connect with Elya Djaffar, Project Assistant to our Agri-Food lead, Meena Hassanali. Fresh off a successful 2021 Agri-Food Forum, we caught up with Elya to give us the rundown on what she’s been doing with the York Region Economic Development team.
York Region Business Update // November 2021
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!
York Region Local Directors’ Movies Screening at Reel Asian International Film Festival
This year’s festival lineup consists of 81 films from all over the world. Newmarket-raised director Albert Shin and Markham-raised Ganesh Thave’s have been invited to the festival.
York Link Wins 2021 MarCom Gold Award for #ReadyWhenYR Campaign
We’re honoured to receive a digital marketing award for our work in supporting business recovery with the #ReadyWhenYR campaign. This campaign was a collaboration with @ExperienceYR and helped drive new interest in local #YorkRegion tourism. Learn more about the awards:…
Federal Government Announces New Targeted COVID-19 Business Support
The Government of Canada has confirmed that certain existing income and business support programs will end on October 23, 2021, as previously announced. This includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Markham Resident Realizes Dream of Owning Restaurant, Smash
Goodis is owner of Markham’s Smash Kitchen and Bar, Next Door Restaurant and a charcuterie and bottle shop called CharBox.
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Charles Banfield
With significant assistance and input from my exemplary team, I oversee a broad portfolio that includes agriculture & agri-food, innovation, tourism, broadband, post-secondary attraction and support, smart city/intelligent community initiatives and the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.
York Region Business Update // October 2021
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!
Newmarket’s NewMakeIt, Maker’s Mark Partner to boost support for area artisans
Opportunities for makers in Newmarket and York Region are growing thanks to a new partnership between two local businesses: NewMakeIt and The Maker’s Mark.
Longtime Family Medical Equipment Business Chooses Newmarket for Second Location
A new medical equipment supplier, Homestead, has officially opened its doors in Newmarket.
Upcoming Small Business Webinars and Events
We have so many great webinars and group events coming up that we had to dedicate an entire blog to them! From marketing experts teaching graphic design and online marketing, to digital advertising strategies and more, our agenda is jam-packed with helpful tips…
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Tony Corkovic
As a public sector organization, our success is measured in how much we help the people and businesses that we serve. Hearing first-hand from small business owners that we’ve helped them grow or launch their business is incredibly satisfying, knowing that we made a positive difference; that’s my favourite part of the job.
York Region Business Update // September 2021
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!
East Gwillimbury Woman Searched for High-Quality Toys, Now She Sells Them
In the end, she decided to open her own store called Little Rae Goods, an all-natural children’s toy boutique.
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Nadia Sacco
I am a Leafaholic. I live and breathe the Toronto Maple Leafs during the hockey season. The Leafs have taught me stress management and how important it is to relax and take a deep breath. Go Leafs Go!
CBC Features this Mom and Son Duo Who Bake Delicious Macedonian Food at This Newmarket Spot
Ismaila Alfa: These are the catering trucks you find by office buildings and construction sites, right?
Suresh: Yes, I remember seeing these everywhere when I was a kid. The truck would pull over and the owner would flip open the back, stainless steel everywhere, fold-down counters. You’d get your cigarettes there or grab a coffee or a snack.
York Region Business Update // August 2021
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 August edition now!
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Vivian Ho-Tam
Leveraging the experiences and skills I have developed over the years and being a third-generation entrepreneur myself, I take pride in connecting and working with my clients to help their businesses take the next step in finding success.
#ShopLocalYR Campaign Aimed to Boost Business, Consumer Confidence
Spreading the love is simple: purchase a good or service from a local small business, share your images on your social media channels using the hashtag #ShopLocalYR, and tag both the business and your municipality.
New Accelerator in Northern York Region Brings Increased Opportunity for Startups as First Cohort Graduates
A new business accelerator in Newmarket recently graduated its first cohort. Read more about this group of companies and how the new accelerator is looking to support businesses in Northern York Region and beyond.
York Region Business Update // July 2021
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 July edition now!
‘We Had a Great Response’: King Township’s Pop-Up Patio Program Moves Into Second Year
Four restaurants in Schomberg (King Township) will have pop-up patios this summer thanks to a program launched by the Township of King.
Success Story: Mona’s Hair Salon
Based in Aurora, Mona’s Hair Salon specializes in hair services such as cutting, styling, colouring and even threading. Watch and learn how the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, part of York Region Economic Development, helped her grow her business.
York University’s YSpace Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
It was a year unlike any other for Innovation York, the innovation office for York University with a mandate to facilitate and maximize the commercial, economic, and social impacts of research and innovation. Their 2020-2021 Annual Report has just been released and it outlines impressive successes, including supporting new ventures, launching new programs and more.
New Innovation Space Set To Open For Businesses In Vaughan
The City of Vaughan has partnered with Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) and ventureLAB to establish a new innovation space in Vaughan, strengthening the City as a place where entrepreneurs and small businesses can flourish and grow.
Success Story: Goblets and Goblins
Goblets and Goblins is a board game cafe based in Newmarket, offering customers a warm atmosphere to enjoy food, drink and play a variety of board games. Watch and learn how the York Small Business Enterprise Centre helped support and…
York Region Business Update // June 2021
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 June edition now!