Entrepreneurship in East Gwillimbury

YSpace Northern York Region Entrepreneurship Hub is an ecosystem of entrepreneurial resources, including mentorship, access to peer-to-peer networks, and co-working space for collaboration. It fosters new business opportunities as well as personal and professional development for new and existing entrepreneurs. 

A combination of on-demand business support and programming is available in East Gwillimbury and Georgina, both in-person and virtually. Programs are refined and augmented to address the specific needs of each business community. 

YSpace Northern York Region is open to entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations. Whether you are an established business owner or a first-time founder, this program is designed to provide what you need to start or refine your business. 

YSpace Northern York Region is delivered in partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury, Town of Georgina, and York University's YSpace, with funding from the Rural Economic Development (RED) program from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Read the full press release.

Idea Consultations 

Idea Consultations are your entry-point into the YSpace program. This meeting offers free one-on-one consultation services that connect you with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how the program and available resources can help your idea come to life. 

Idea Consultations offer:

  • Free one-on-one consultation with a business professional

  • A defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs

  • Access to additional support or mentorship via an ecosystem of volunteers through the local ecosystem of resources

Book a Meeting to Get Started

Current Programming

Peer-to-Peer with TechConnex

When: Thursday, April 25, 2024 

Where: Location alternates between East Gwillimbury and Georgina. 

Join TechConnex, local entrepreneurs, and business owners in-person for a peer-to-peer session. The TechConnex peer group program is where fast-growth technology company leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives can come together to exchange information that will help them expand their businesses. 

Peer group participants generate lasting relationships through meeting regularly to network, learn, and lead their organizations to achieve even greater business success.

Sign Up Here

Peer-to-peer sessions with TechConnex is open to participants of the YSpace Northern York Region program. Not a program participant and want to get started? Enroll for free today by completing an Idea Consultation.
Entrepreneurs in Residence

Are you a passionate entrepreneur looking to take your startup to the next level? Look no further than the YSpace East Gwillimbury and Georgina EIR Program. This collaborative initiative aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development within the communities of East Gwillimbury and Georgina by connecting local participants with seasoned entrepreneurs who have diverse industry expertise.

Our EIR Program is designed to achieve the following goals:

  • Support local entrepreneurs: We provide guidance, mentorship and resources to early-stage startups and entrepreneurs in the region, helping them grow and succeed.
  • Stimulate economic growth: By encouraging the creation and growth of innovative businesses in Georgina and East Gwillimbury, we contribute to local economic development and participation in our communities.
  • Knowledge sharing: We facilitate valuable knowledge exchange and networking opportunities between experienced entrepreneurs, startups and the broader community.

Mentorship and Support

Our EIRs serve as mentors and advisors to startup founders, generously sharing their knowledge, experience and extensive networks. They actively engage with startups, offering mentorship, guidance, and advice on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including business development, marketing, funding and operations.

Through one-on-one interactions, EIRs provide support for specific business challenges or opportunities, helping startups identify new market opportunities, refine their business strategies and solve operational issues.

To be considered for the YSpace East Gwillimbury and Georgina EIR Program, applicants must have completed an intensive YSpace program such as Business Plan Bootcamp or equivalent. This prerequisite provides a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to the next level. If selected as a successful applicant, you will have the opportunity to participate in a one-time eight-week one-on-one mentorship program. Our experienced mentors will work closely with you, providing personalized guidance and support to help grow your business and drive its success.

Apply for the EIR mentorship program

Office Hours | Meet with Mentors

Office Hours provide an opportunity for businesses to book one-on-one time with local mentors who excel in their respective fields. Whether you're grappling with financial strategies, marketing campaigns, or any other aspect of your business, these personalized sessions are designed to help you navigate the complexities and find solutions that work for you.
Book a time with one of our mentors below: 
  • Agnes Lan, Change Connect | Sales and Business Development
  • Diem Le, ventureLAB™ | Health Tech, Investing, and Pharma
  • Elena Fordham, Beveridge Marketing | Branding, Marketing, and Communications
  • Joanna Wiseberg, Red Scarf Gift Co. | Manufacturing and Product Development
  • Michael Izzi, Change Connect | Client Relationship and Sales Strategies
  • Robert Kinch, Get More Sales | Sales Management
  • Sam Aldridge, Change Connect | Strategy Implementation
  • Stella Grinfeld, Stella Graphix | Design, Communications, and Marketing
Meet with YSpace Mentors 

Become a Program Mentor

Become a YSpace Mentor

Interested in becoming a program mentor?

YSpace is excited to partner with the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury to launch small business supports in the local communities through what we are calling our Idea Consultation program. The program is designed to help connect local entrepreneurs and business owners to mentors and resources within their local communities. With that, we are expanding our outreach to potential engage with new startups.

Mentorship roles and commitments vary depending on the programs and startup needs. At this point in time, we are not looking for a specific skill set but rather doing a large call out to interested individuals.

We kindly ask you to fill out the following application to help us better understand your background, and assess the best fit with our programs. Once completed, a YSpace representative will be in touch to setup an introductory call. If you have any questions on time or experience requirements, please reach out to yspace@yorku.ca and we are happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Apply Today

Book a consultation with the Economic Development team to learn more about YSpace.