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.

Small Business (page 3)
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.
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 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.
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.