Message from Program Manager, Carmen Massey
Hi, Tsuts’weye Network,
I think I’m beginning to accept my “new normal”, absorbing a variety of things into my everyday life that would have seemed bizarre if had you told me about them a few months ago.
These days I only leave my home in the country and go to town to shop every three weeks. And shopping means going to the grocery store with a purpose, marching up and down the aisles. My house isn’t as clean as it once was but who’s going to see it anyway? Navigating insurance via email, setting up a bank account over the phone, applying for grants and loans from the Federal government that only take ten minutes! Sussing out N-95 masks as a sideline hobby, scrolling, and scrolling and scrolling through the news, talking to my family in Alberta on a regular basis. And whoever thought I’d be homeschooling my teenagers? This all seems to be my life now, and I seem to think it’s normal!
Many of us are becoming familiar with where we’ve landed. When we think of going back to work in an office or sending our kids back to school, we sometimes wonder: why rock the boat when we’ve just found some balance? Why come out of isolation then have things turn south? Isn’t it just easier to sit here in my “new normal”?
It takes courage to move out of a comfort zone, no matter how newly ensconced we’ve become on our couch. Think of the courage it takes for a downtown store owner to turn the “Closed” sign over to “Open”, believing that loyal customers will come back. How hard to risk precious cash on launching a new online sales platform. Think of the spirit it takes to order inventory for next season or hire employees to serve summer clientele.
Please know that the Tsuts’weye network is here to support you as you take these new bold steps. List your business on the Business Profile page so we all know you are open for business. Make an appointment with the Entrepreneur in Residence to talk over your “opening up” plan. Perhaps we can provide consultant support to you. Join the Facebook Group or a Tsuts’weye Connections event to realize you are not alone.
We have been planning ways to support you through this transition phase. This week we bring you Robyn Jespersen of HR West. Robyn will be talking about navigating the post-COVID world as an employer. This presentation is not exclusive to Tsuts’weye members, so feel free to share with others.
On a lighter note, mark your calendars for Michael Kerr. Michael is an award-winner presenter who promotes Humour at Work, and we are fortunate to have him bring humour to the Tsuts’weye network on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Register early and bring your sense of fun to this interactive, virtual event.
We are pleased to announce our upcoming Tsuts’weye Connections presenter Angela Inskip of Wild Hearts Inspired who encourages us to grow things! On May 15, learn about the best plants to bring into your office or home, and how to successfully grow green, inside.
And Laura Cooke has invited us all to a Virtual Game Night on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 pm. Register with [email protected] for a zoom link to this fun-filled evening.
Let’s make an effort to seek out and support our fellow businesswomen as we witness them courageously opening their doors and going online in new and unique ways. Together we are #tsutsweyestrong.
I wish you well in finding and accepting your new normal, whatever that may be.
Warm regards,
Carmen Massey
Project Manager, Tsuts’weye Enterprise and Innovation Network
Cell: 250-804-3466
Email: [email protected]
COVID-19 IMPACTS ON BC SMALL BUSINESSES
TELE-TOWN HALL
Business Profiles on the Tsuts’weye website
Join the Tsuts’weye Business Directory and share your business on our website. Business Profile listings are free. We encourage our members to #ShopShuswap as much as possible. Let’s support each other. To get your business profile on this page, simply fill out our Business Profile Form and email it to us!
Announcing the Tsuts’weye Peer Mentoring Program!
- Kathleen Seeley, Massively Human
- Laura Cooke, Laura Cooke Consulting
SHUSWAP BUSINESS RECOVERY PLANNING GROUP INTRODUCES COVID-19
EMERGENCY ECONOMIC RESPONSE PLAN
Working together, we will get through this.
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.
An Emergency Support Hub has been set up as a one-stop place for businesses seeking support to make contact. From the Hub, businesses will be able to access services in six key areas: resource sharing & emergency support line, workforce support, community marketing, mentorship & training, digital transition and financing & emergency cash flow. Local businesses asked for help in a number of areas. The plan includes providing a reliable and comprehensive source of information on local, provincial, federal and corporate business support programs. Other initiatives will assist businesses with online sales, connect businesses with mentors and expert advice, develop labour resources, identify temporary business funding options, and plan for the re-launching of marketing campaigns in response to changing pandemic conditions.
For more information on this program please call 250-833-5928 or email [email protected].
TOURISM INDUSTRY BUSINESSES – A SOCIAL MEDIA
TOOLKIT TO PROVIDE YOUR GUESTS WITH AN
ONGOING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
The Regional Destination Management Organizations of British Columbia (as a group, BC’s Regional Tourism Secretariat) have partnered to bring tourism businesses some guiding help during this time.
In an effort to offer resources to our incredible business partners in British Columbia, BC’s Regional Tourism Secretariat have compiled guidelines to help you provide ongoing virtual experiences to your guests, continue sharing what you love, and maintain engagement during this challenging time.
From virtual educational tours to moments in nature and cooking demos to wine tastings, you name it; we will share it. Let’s invite our followers on a virtual journey, as an armchair traveler to our local businesses and backyard playground.
Download the Social Media Toolkit here.
Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur In Residence Services for your businesses, now and into the future.
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.
COVID-19 Supports for Women Entrepreneurs
- 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