Message from Program Manager, Carmen Massey
This is a week for Opening Up. Opening up to new possibilities and opening up to new ways of doing business, perhaps opening up for new customers and new distribution channels. Opening up to the possibility of haircuts! The government calls it a Restart and they have laid out a very clear plan. But I still find myself with so many questions. What does it mean to gather safely? How do I expand my bubble and stay within the guidelines? Where is my social “line in the sand” and what do I do if someone crosses it? What is the etiquette to take me forth into this new world, as an acceptable citizen and business-owner? If you haven’t taken the time yet, download and read the BC’s Restart Plan to familiarize yourself with what to expect in the coming weeks and months. But don’t expect all your questions to be answered!
During the past weeks and months, we have had so many questions about what to expect and how to act in our constantly-changing world. Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team have not failed to deliver us reasonable answers and thoughtful direction. We have to trust them to steer us through this next phase of reopening and re-socializing safely. For certain, this will require patience, kindness and a large dose of good humour.
We were thankful for the answers and clarity Robyn Jespersen provided regarding the changing and evolving HR challenges facing employers at this time. Particularly helpful for me were her comments related to rehiring. If you missed the webinar you can listen to a replay here. We know that growing green things makes us healthier and this week our Tsuts’weye Connections presenter, Angela Inskip of Wild Hearts Inspired, will share how to bring a little more green into our home office spaces – see workshop info here. Laura Cooke felt inspired to bring us some light-hearted fun and pulled together a team of ladies to host a Games Night this coming Thursday evening at 7pm. And to help keep us even more balanced, Michael Kerr will be joining us Saturday, May 30 to remind us of the importance of humour in the workplace – see more info here.
We have many more upcoming events and workshops coming your way before summer, including a panel discussion by local women who are bravely moving forward with their businesses (May 29). An Indigenous-led presentation by Andrea Menard will guide us through an easy-to-use grounding process (June 11). And Deb McLellan will be hosting a two-part session at the end of June on the importance of networking in our new virtual world.
I wish you wisdom, kindness, and good humour as you navigate the coming weeks of shifting to Restart mode, whatever that may entail for each of you. We can’t expect to have all the answers, and we might make some mistakes or perceive others as crossing our acceptable line along the way, but let us do all that we do with the best of intentions and the clearest and most reliable information possible.
We will take a break from the newsletter next week and will be back in your inbox in a couple of weeks. Have a wonderful long weekend, and keep #tsutsweyestrong!
Warm regards,
Carmen Massey
Project Manager, Tsuts’weye Enterprise and Innovation Network
Cell: 250-804-3466
Email: [email protected]
Destination BC is launching a series of webinars to support BC’s tourism industry on the road to recovery from COVID-19. The six-part series, which starts next week, will guide tourism businesses through ‘checkpoints’ to collectively consider and work on as we move towards recovery and resilience in our industry. Topics include: planning for re-opening, digital marketing, strategies to elevate the visitor experience, and more. Learn more and register.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) -Shuswap-Revelstoke
There is a lot of noise out there in terms of figuring out what mental health services will be the most helpful for you, your workplace and your family. CMHA brings hope, togetherness, strength, community and progress to addressing COVID-19 and mental health. Please check out www.cmha.ca/covid-19. There are tips around employee anxiety, caring for children, tools for the elderly and so much more.
Locally, if it is helpful to speak to someone who can guide you through navigating what supports are most helpful/meaningful to you and your family, please call or email Shannon Hecker, Manager of Wellness Programs and Innovation at CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke. She and her colleagues at CMHA-Shuswap Revelstoke provide a compassionate listening ear, and practical, individualized support to you during this difficult time. The Shuswap-Revelstoke Branch has an office in Salmon Arm and extends services to the North Shuswap, Blind Bay, Enderby, Sicamous, Falkland and closely collaborates with other agencies in Revelstoke.
For more information:
Call Shannon: 250 253-5054
Email: [email protected]
Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur In Residence Services
for all entrepreneurs to assist you with the reopening and recovery of your business in the Shuswap region.
Business Profiles on Tsuts’weye Website
SHUSWAP BUSINESS RECOVERY PLANNING GROUP INTRODUCES COVID-19
EMERGENCY ECONOMIC RESPONSE PLAN
Shuswap Economic Development, Shuswap Tourism, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Community Futures Shuswap and the Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network have come together to develop a Phase I response to the economic impacts currently facing Shuswap businesses and organizations. It will help mobilize resources and offer supports to assist businesses with their immediate needs as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
For more information on this program please call 250-833-5928 or email [email protected]
COVID-19 Supports for Women Entrepreneurs
- NEW! Government of Canada COVID 19 App – Information and updates on COVID 19 support. Download the app from the Apple store or Google Play.
More information here. - NEW! BC Government COVID 19 App – Information and updates on COVID 19 support. Download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
More information here. - Government of Canada – Commercial Rent Relief – more information.
- BC Hydro – COVID-19 Relief Fund.
- Tourism Resiliency Program – Resources for Tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan Tourism region.
- Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy – Click the link for more information.
- Government of Canada – Here is the link to the COVID-19 benefits programs and more resources.
- Province of BC – COVID-19 resources: Here is up to date information about resources for businesses and individuals.
- Community Futures BC – COVID-19 Business Resources.
- Small Business BC – CoVid-19 Resources – webinars and resources for small business in BC.
- BDC – CoVid-19 – Resources and support for businesses affected by COVID-19.
- Womens Enterprise Centre – CoVid-19 – Assisting women entrepreneurs through this crisis – Resources and Support.
- BC Economic Development Association – Resources for BC Businesses.
- Tourism Industry Association of BC – C-19 Bulletin – April 24, 2020