Message from Program Manager, Carmen Massey

This past week felt like a time of transition. We hear the words “recovery” and “finding our new normal” and “reopening” more often. Not knowing how our new normal will look and feel is part of the uncertain future we are facing. Pivoting to operate our businesses safely and profitably in this evolving environment is an enormous challenge. However, it is encouraging to witness organizations and individuals braving the unknown and making steps toward the future.

Tsuts’weye is supporting efforts toward recovery in the Shuswap through partnering with Community Futures Shuswap, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, and Shuswap Economic Development to establish a community COVID Emergency Response Plan. We will be announcing programs and initiatives in the coming weeks in support of getting businesses back on their feet. Details will be available soon.

We are excited to introduce some upcoming Tsuts’weye events and programs this week:

• The Tsuts’weye Peer Mentorship Program (see program information below). Register for the information session on May 4 by emailing [email protected].
• Robyn Jespersen from HR West will be presenting on COVID-19 human resource supports for employers. We are opening this presentation up to all businesses of the Shuswap, and welcome you to share the event information with any business owners who could benefit, male or female. Thank you to Robyn for the two bulletins she has created and shared with our network – COVID -19 Info Sheet and Support for Local Business. This information is critical for businesses with employees.
• Tsuts’weye Connections – Missy MacKintosh will be our first Tsuts’weye Connections presenter this Friday, May 1. We look forward to hearing how “Makeup doesn’t define you”. Congratulations to Missy for winning international recognition at the Clean Beauty Awards! Exciting times for Missy and her team.

Several Shuswap business women completed the two-day Dare to Lead and Success Principles workshop from Laura Cooke this week. Thank you, Laura, for the excellent program, and we look forward to sharing the replay link soon. Erna Stassen recorded and shared a new video with our network this week called “An Apple A Day”. Erna’s video helps us break things down into manageable pieces and face the future with a healthy outlook. You can find the link to Erna’s video on the Events and Webinars page of our website.

As we turn the corner on the pandemic and dare to peek into the future we see glimpses of hope and positivity. We also see a long and challenging road ahead. No doubt we will face experiences we have never dreamed of and will require support we hoped we would never need. We are thankful for a strong and supportive community to help us through.

We are #tsutsweyestrong.

(Especially if we keep washing our hands!)

Carmen Massey
Project Manager, Tsuts’weye Enterprise and Innovation Network
Cell: 250-804-3466

We have a new program starting this week!

“Tsuts’weye Connections”

This program was developed to connect the community of Tsutsweye entrepreneurs through raw, real, interactive sessions each led by a
different business member of the Tsuts’weye network.
Join Missy MacKintosh as she explains why self-care and showing up for yourself is more important than ever.
Friday, May 1st, 2020, 11:00AM – 12:00PM PDT
SAVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS WEBINAR BY EMAILING: [email protected]
**To register you must be a female business owner in the Shuswap.
Can’t make it live? Register so that we can send you the webinar replay!!
Robyn is passionate about supporting small businesses and employers, as they navigate the COVID-19 health crisis. She looks forward to
sharing information, resources, and tools.
Resources to review before the webinar – COVID-19 Info Sheet and Support for local businesses
Friday, May 8th, 2020, 11:00AM – 12:00PM PDT
SAVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS WEBINARS BY EMAILING:[email protected]
**To register you must be a female business owner in the Shuswap.
Can’t make it live? Register so that we can send you the webinar replay!!

Announcing the Tsuts’weye Peer Mentoring Program!

Purpose: To create a web of support for Tsuts’weye businesswomen. Safe and supportive mentoring with a group of female business owners of the Shuswap.
Thank-you to our Peer Mentor leaders!!
  • Kathleen Seeley, Massively Human
  • Laura Cooke, Laura Cooke Consulting
Program participation commitment: Four bi-weekly two-hour evening sessions.
Monday evenings, May 11, 25, June 8, 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm (Via Zoom).
Cost: FREE!
Registration: Email Carmen at [email protected] to register for this session of Peer Mentoring.
Find out more: Join us for an introductory session on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 pm
  • Email [email protected] to receive a zoom link for participation in this one-hour introductory session.
NOTE: If you are considering participation in the Peer Mentor program we strongly advise you to join the introductory session on May 4 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Phase I COVID-19 Emergency Economic Response Plan

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still an evolving situation, Shuswap Economic Development, Shuswap Tourism, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Community Futures Shuswap and the Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network have been working with numerous partner organizations to gather and review available data in order to develop the Phase I COVID-19 Emergency Economic Response Plan for the Shuswap Region. The goal of the Phase I Plan is to mobilize immediate support programs in response to the impacts of COVID-19, to assist businesses and organizations throughout the Shuswap communities. Six programs have been identified as areas of urgent need.  Further information on each program will be provided as details are finalized. Businesses seeking support are encouraged to contact the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Emergency Support Hub.
For more information on this program please call 250-833-0608 or by email at:

We will get through this – we can provide support to assist you.

Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur & Innovation Network can provide services to your business, whether you are a new business, or have been in business many years. These services are provided free of charge, thanks to the financial support of Community Futures Shuswap and Western Economic Diversification.
To access these services please contact Caroline Grover, our Entrepreneur in Residence. Please email Caroline at [email protected] or call her directly at 250-300-4757.
For more information about this program go to the Tsuts’weye website.

COVID-19 Supports for Women Entrepreneurs