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Town plans to launch new campaign this summer to promote local businesses

April 9, 2021

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By: Michelle Poirier

The Town of Georgina’s Economic Development and Tourism department is gearing up to launch Georgina Made, a new campaign to highlight local business owners, including those operating home-based businesses.

“We are looking for local business owners who grow, manufacture, make or sell locally made products in Georgina,” Karyn Stone, Manager of Economic Development, said.

Ms. Stone said the idea for the campaign came about as they were guiding businesses through the pandemic and working with many home-based businesses that needed exposure.

“We want to showcase the talents and skills in Georgina to those who may be unaware of them and to potential investors and collaborators who can help these businesses commercialize their products and scale up their businesses,” she said.

A key component of the campaign will be an online business directory which will “provide an additional platform for businesses to feature their products online.”

Retailers who sell locally made products will also be included in the directory.

“When you shop locally, you’re doing more than spending money. You are supporting local business owners and your community as a whole. Data shows local retailers return more than 50 per cent of their revenue into the local economy, compared to just 14 per cent for national chains,” Ms. Stone said.

Danielle Perry, who owns Whipple Tree Country Store in Keswick, is excited to have her retail store listed in the directory.

“I think it’s a great idea. I appreciate any campaign that supports local businesses during these times,” she said.

“I think it will help our business. The Georgina Chamber has already launched something similar, and we’ve had quite a few people in the store because of it.”

Ms. Perry, like other small business owners, is frustrated with the constant closures, including the current lockdown measures, which will force her to close her doors to indoor shopping again.

But she is grateful for the support from the Town and her loyal customers.

“We appreciate their continued support and are proud to live in this community,” she said.

Jeysabel Pearson-MacKinnon, owner of Cakes by Jez in Keswick, will also have her business featured in the online directory.

“I think this is a great idea; anything to help support local at this point is appreciated,” she said.

“As a small business owner with a storefront, I can tell you this has been the most financially and emotionally stressful time,” she said.

She estimates her sales have declined 65 to 75 per cent during the pandemic, forcing her to rely on the federal government rent assistance program to stay in business.

“Supporting local is crucial, I’m saddened daily to hear of friends having to close their businesses,” she said.

Ms. Stone said 45 businesses have ask to be included in the directory and they get new submissions every day.

“So far, the majority are home-based, which indicates we have several businesses with growth potential. We will be reaching out to large employee-based businesses before launch to ensure they are represented on the directory,” she said.

The Town is planning to launch the online directory this summer. The new campaign will carry into 2022 and support the existing Georgina Chamber of Commerce’s Shop Local campaign.

Those interested can submit their business through an online form at georgina.ca/GeorginaMade. For more information, you can email ed@georgina.ca or call 905-476-4301.