VANCOUVER – Telus launched a new initiative aimed at supporting Canadian small businesses and their owners this month called #StandWithOwners, which will provide support through direct revenue, marketing, and expert advice during this time of crisis.
The Covid-19 pandemic has proven to be as much of a financial crisis as it is a health one, significantly affecting Canadian small businesses and so Telus asked Canadians to create a new post on Twitter or Instagram highlighting a small business, and using the hashtag #StandWithOwners and tagging @TelusBusiness.
In return, nominators were eligible to receive a $25 digital gift card to use at the selected business on behalf of Telus. In only four days, #StandWithOwners exceeded expectations, generating over 20,000 social posts, with #StandWithOwners trending at number one on Twitter at launch, says the company release.
The telco is investing marketing dollars to promote owners across social media, digital advertising and a new digital hub to showcase businesses and connect them with new customers and share stories.
Telus is also engaging industry experts and leading Canadian entrepreneurs like Arlene Dickinson for their support. In the coming weeks, Telus will launch a series of interactive online discussions where small business owners can ask questions, share advice and discuss best practices on how to manage business uncertainty in a candid environment.
Additionally over the coming weeks, Telus will profile business owners from across the country showcasing how they have adapted their business during the pandemic as they continue to support their customers, says the release.
“Owners and Canadians at large are working to navigate through unchartered territory that has completely altered the way we live and do business. This can be extremely stressful, scary and lonely at times,” said Arlene Dickinson, general partner of District Ventures Capital in the Telus release. “Now more than ever is the time to stand together as owners and as a community. This initiative by Telus will help us to stay connected and support each other, and I’m looking forward to participating.”
