VANCOUVER — Telus Business announced today the launch of ShopWithOwners.ca, a new online platform designed to support entrepreneurs and to help connect Canadians to local businesses.
Some of the small businesses featured on the site include past recipients of funding and advertising support from Telus’ #StandWithOwners program.
“This platform will help support business owners across the country with gaining exposure to customers looking for local finds and gifts during the holiday season,” a press release reads.
“Canadians will be able to search by location, keywords and categories to discover exceptional small businesses they can easily support within their community. Visitors will be able to learn more about the owner, their business and be directed to their website and social media pages,” the release adds.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and economy,” said Navin Arora, Telus executive vice-president and Telus Business Solutions president, in the release. “Telus has committed to support Canadian business through #StandWithOwners and ShopWithOwners.ca is another step in this commitment to support local.
“Businesses that apply to be featured at ShopWithOwners.ca will have the opportunity to gain exposure and connect with customers, all for free. This is another way we are making the future friendly and supporting owners in a digital world.”
The launch of the online platform comes as the third year of Telus’ #StandWithOwners program draws to a close. In 2022, 30 small businesses across the country each received more than $25,000 in technology, funding and advertising, according to the press release.
In addition to receiving this prize package, B.C.-based homemade pie and baked goods shop Gabi & Jules was selected as the program’s 2022 “technology refresh” winner of additional prizes from Telus and its partners Cisco and Samsung, valued at up to $50,000, according to an email from a Telus spokesperson.
“Known for their focus on using seasonal, natural ingredients while also supporting autism awareness and inclusive hiring organizations across British Columbia, Lisa Beecroft, Co-owner of Gabi & Jules, will be able to continue to grow their business and their online ordering platform,” says Telus’ press release.
“When we found out we had won the #StandWithOwners contest, we were super excited. It’s not only going to allow us to invest in our business, but also it’s going to enhance the technologies that we rely on to run our business,” Beecroft said in the release. “Technology has been critical to being able to scale up our business.”
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