“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.
Small Business (page 3)
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
York University Officially Opens Newest YSpace Location in Northern York Region
“By leveraging the success of YSpace’s programs and making customized resources available to the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury, York University is facilitating entrepreneurship and business acceleration in northern York Region,” says York University’s Vice-President Research and Innovation Amir Asif.
York Region Agri-Food Business Spotlight: Turkey Shoot Brewing Co.
There’s nothing we love more than getting into our community and talking to local business owners. We’re excited to bring you a new local agri-food business spotlight, featuring Turkey Shoot Brewing Company, from the Town of Georgina!
York Region Companies Reinvent Themselves During COVID
While COVID-19 caused major losses for many businesses, leading some to close, others were able to reinvent themselves. For some, the pandemic actually saw increased demand for their products or led to a new opportunity.
Richmond Hill Launches Innovation Initiative For Businesses
Since the program launched in March this year, 17 companies have already successfully worked with CLIC to uncover market insights and develop new product/service opportunities.
York University’s YSpace Expands to Northern York Region
This dedicated space will feature virtual and in-person learning and allow for collaboration with other business owners and create connections with mentors. The physical space will offer computer access, internet, video conferencing solutions, photography tools for e-commerce and online content creation, collaboration spaces, programming support, and business community resources.
Up to $100K Grants on Tap For Richmond Hill Businesses as City Extends Program
There are three grant types in the CIP program — tax increment equivalent grant for new offices, building renovation grant and facade improvement, landscape and signage grant, von Kursell said at her presentation to council.
Success Story: The Little Red Bake Shop
Located in Newmarket, The Little Red Bake Shop specializes in custom gourmet baked goods and offers customers a cookie subscription box. Michelle started her business right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the right support from the York…
Skinopathy is Local Healthcare Success Story for Aurora’s Keith Loo
The local success story of Mr. Loo and Dr. Hong was the focus of the inaugural Emerging Aurora event, an initiative of the Aurora’s Economic Development Board.
2021 Year In Review // York Region Economic Development
On behalf of York Region Economic Strategy, I am pleased to present the 2021 Economic
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Success Story: Replenish General Store
Based in Aurora, Replenish General Store specializes in helping customers reduce their waste and carbon footprint. Co-founders Thai and Bianca started the store just days before the global pandemic impacted the economy, but with the right support they were able…
Richmond Hill Partners with OCAD University and eCampusOntario to Launch CLIC
CLIC brings together expertise from Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and OCAD University to help businesses review their offerings and business models through a design-thinking lens.
‘That’s the Place to be in York Region’: Cocoa 40 Opening on Main Street Newmarket
There’s a new name coming to Main Street — Cocoa 40 is opening its first ever retail location there and for owner Stefania Pede it’s come sooner than she expected.
Need Sweets Stat? Cake Medic in East Gwillimbury Ready to Respond
With trepidation, Alibhai gave it shot — setting up his own Instagram and Facebook page, Cake Medic. And now, that little hobby to “kill time” has risen to become a thriving home-based business.
Treats and Toys and Grooming, Oh My! Ren’s Pets Opening in Newmarket, Stouffville
Ren’s Pets is opening five new stores this spring starting in April. The new stores include two in York Region — in Stouffville and Newmarket.
Baked Not Fried: East Gwillimbury Immigrant Family Behind NB Bakery
NB Bakery specializes in baked samosas, not to be confused with the Indian variety. NB’s are baked while the Indian kind are deep fried and spicy. NB Bakery uses a Central Asian and Mediterranean recipe.
Government Extends Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account
The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
‘Our First Year Was a Whirlwind’: The Maker’s Mark, Selling Artisan Crafts in Newmarket, Marks First Anniversary
In the middle of the pandemic, they launched The Maker’s Mark. On Nov. 28, the Newmarket business marked its first anniversary.
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.