Hub supports entrepreneurship, economic growth in Georgina and East Gwillimbury

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2022 — In partnership with the Towns of Georgina and East Gwillimbury, York University is pleased to officially open a new YSpace location in northern York Region – supporting local start-ups and existing businesses during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From left to right: Town of Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk, Minister Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation and Francophone Affairs and York-Simcoe MPP, Town of East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson, York University’s Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif, local entrepreneur Amanda Gordon, York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson, and Economic Development Manager of Georgina Karyn Stone.

Announced earlier this summer, the new YSpace Georgina Business Incubator/Accelerator Hub located at 1 Market St. in Sutton, Ont., offers computer access, internet, video conferencing solutions, photography tools for e-commerce and online content creation, collaboration spaces, programming support, and business community resources. It offers both in-person and virtual learning opportunities to allow for collaboration with other business owners and create connections with mentors.

“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. “We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and witnessing the ideas that participating entrepreneurs bring to life – contributing to the region’s knowledge-based economy and creating positive change in their communities and beyond.”

“I am extremely excited about our partnership with York University’s YSpace and the Town of East Gwillimbury on the expansion of YSpace programming into northern York Region,” says Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk. “The YSpace Georgina Business Incubator/Accelerator space will help remove the barriers to entrepreneurship and business acceleration in rural communities. It will provide the tools and support to help advance those existing businesses and to encourage the creation of new ones.”

“Entrepreneurship and business development are key factors in building complete communities," says East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson. "Through this partnership, our local business communities will have access to the necessary tools and training opportunities that will assist them with creating and advancing their business. I look forward to the future of this partnership and continuing to help local businesses succeed in East Gwillimbury and Georgina."

Amanda Gordon, Founder of Cloverhill flowers and former YSpace program participant, talks about how the program was critical in supporting the growth of her small business.

To find out more, visit yspace.yorku.ca/yspace-northern-york-region.

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About York University:

York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About Town of Georgina:

Georgina is located on Lake Simcoe, the largest inland lake in southern Ontario, excluding the Great Lakes. Only one-hour drive north of Toronto, the Town is a desired destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities all year long. Many describe the Town as a community of communities, each one rich in history with a wealth of recreational activities and attractions. The Town is home to Sibbald Point Provincial Park, Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts, York Region’s Adventure Headquarters – the ROC and is one of the top fishing destinations in Ontario.

About Town of East Gwillimbury:

The Town of East Gwillimbury is Canada’s fastest growing municipality (with more than 5,000 residents) according to 2021 Census Canada data. The Town provides several programs and services to approximately 36,000 residents, while maintaining more than 80 percent of its green space. To learn more about the Town, visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca.

Media Contacts:

Kayla Lewis, York University, 416-455-4710, lewiskay@yorku.ca

Tanya Thompson, Town of Georgina, 905-476-4305, ext. 2446, tathompson@georgina.ca

Meeta Gandhi, Town of East Gwillimbury, 905-478-4283, ext. 3854, mgandhi@eastgwillimbury.ca