WESK’s COVID-19 Response

At WESK, we recognize that the current situation has a significant impact on small business owners. We are working to do all we can to minimize the impact of COVID-19 and support our clients during this period of uncertainty. Our offices might be closed for now, but we’re still open for business. Here’s what we’re up to:

Complimentary WESK memberships for the month of April ($125 value)
Our business advisors are (remotely) here for you. Reach out – it’s included with your complimentary membership.
We have new payment solutions for our loan clients.
Webinar Wednesdays – We’re offering free webinars every week.
Looking for human connection? Shaken with a Twist and Uncorked have gone virtual.
From on-demand webinars to blog posts, our Small Business Resources page is packed with information to help you succeed.
We’re constantly updating this page with the latest COVID-19 information, resources, and tips for small business owners.

More details are below.

The well-being of our community is at the forefront of all our decisions. We wish you and your loved ones the best during this difficult time. From all of us at WESK, be well and be safe.

Complimentary Memberships

For the month of April, we would like to offer you a complimentary one-year membership to WESK.

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In response to the COVID-19 situation we want to offer our business community support in any way we can. This initiative is not retro-active and does not apply for renewals of memberships that expire after April 30.

Join today, your Business Advisor is looking forward to supporting you.

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Meet with an Advisor (Remotely)

Whether you are considering a loan or just need business advice, we encourage you to book an appointment with a business advisor to discuss further. All appointments will be conducted via phone or video conference at this time. If you have an advisor, reach out to them directly. If you don’t, follow the steps below.

Booking your Appointment

During the month of May, you can book an appointment with one of our advisors at no cost by signing up for a WESK membership ($125 value). As this initiative is to provide support during COVID-19, it is not retro-active and does not apply for renewals of memberships that expire after May 31.

Sign up for a WESK membership (Free for the month of May!)
Visit your Dashboard and submit the “Request for Business Advising” form
We will contact you within 3 days to arrange an appointment

Get Started

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Solutions for WESK Loan Clients

WESK is committed to helping our clients through this difficult time and is providing reprieve for our loan clients. If you currently have a loan with us, please see below for your options. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or questions around your loan during this time.

Existing Loan Clients

To help free up working capital for the months of April, May and June, WESK loan clients will have the option of interest-only payments for those three months, and then reassess after that time. For those who wish to continue with your current loan payment structure, it will be withdrawn as scheduled.

Please send your request directly to Jodi MacMillan at jmacmillan@wesk.ca to make the arrangements.

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New Loan Clients

Option 1: You may take advantage of a 6-month period between the time your loan is approved and when the funds must be disbursed. This additional flexibility will allow new loan clients the time to decide whether to continue with their original plans for their business.

Option 2: Upon the disbursement of funds, we are also offering the option to take advantage of interest-only payments for up to 6 months. For those who wish to continue with your current loan payment structure, it will be withdrawn as scheduled.

Please send your request directly to Grace Lam at glam@wesk.ca to make the arrangements.

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WESK Training and Events

We’re committed to helping you get through this pandemic. Whether you’re looking to learn or you’re craving some human connection, we’ve got something for you. If it’s education you’re after, register for our weekly live webinars or visit our Small Business Resources page. If you’re looking to connect, be sure to sign-up for our monthly virtual Shaken with a Twist or Uncorked “networking” events.

Webinar Wednesdays with WESK

Join us every Wednesday for a new live WESK Webinar!

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Small Business Resources Page

Looking for information to help you in your small business? Or maybe you’re still debating if entrepreneurship is right for you. Regardless of what you’re after, we’re here to help!

Our resources page is a one-stop shop for anything related to entrepreneurship and small business, and includes blog posts, recorded webinars, videos, and templates for variety of topics.

Learn More

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Virtual Networking

Have you been to Shaken with a Twist in Saskatoon or Uncorked in Regina? Now’s your chance! We’re bringing you these two signature networking events virtually!

Each month, WESK features a local entrepreneur or business professional over some casual couch conversation. Join us as we chat with some of the boldest business women & leaders in our Saskatchewan community!

Learn More

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Affected WESK Events

WESK is implementing changes to our events to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in our community. Please see below for a list of affected events. Please note the following:

The Exchange Information Sessions – postponed.
WESK Meets – cancelled until further notice.
Shaken with a Twist and Uncorked – offered virtually.
Training workshops, including Business Growth Luncheons and Business Plan Basics – delivered as webinars.
25th Anniversary Gala & Conference – postponed until September 30th & October 1, 2020

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COVID-19 for Small Business Owners

An up-to-date and growing list of COVID-19 information, training, and resources for small business owners.

Emergency Funding for Small Businesses

Federal

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Canada Work-sharing Program for Employees

Canada Emergency Business Account

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Provincial

Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program

Saskatchewan Self-Isolation Support Program

Banks and Credit Unions

Conexus Credit Union – Canada Emergency Business Account

TD – Canada Emergency Business Account

CIBC – Canada Emergency Business Account

Scotiabank – Canada Emergency Business Account

ATB – Canada Emergency Business Account

RBC – Canada Emergency Business Account

BMO – Canada Emergency Business Account

NBC – Canada Emergency Business Account

BDC – Business Credit Availability Program

EDC – Business Credit Availability Program

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COVID-19 Information & Resources

Federal Information

Government of Canada – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Canada’s Response

Government of Canada – COVID-19 – Employment and Social Development Canada

Government of Canada – Resources for Canadian Businesses

Government of Canada – Prime Minister Announces Additional Support for Small Business (April 16)

Government of Canada – COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Miller Thomson – Statutory Temporary Layoffs Across Canada (current to March 22, 2020)

CBC NEWS – How to apply for EI and COVID-19 emergency benefits

WBE Canada – Strategies for Women Owned Businesses During COVID-19

Announced COVID-19 Federal Economic Stimulus Measures for Businesses and Workers (as of March 31, 2020)

Provincial Information

Government of Saskatchewan – COVID-19 Information and Support for Businesses

Government of Saskatchewan – Emergency Payment Program For Small Businesses

Government of Saskatchewan – COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool

Seiferling Law – Changes to Saskatchewan Employment Act in a Public Health Situation

Saskatchewan Chamber – Pandemic Preparedness Guide for Business

Leaderpost – COVID-19: Province releases list of all essential services

Municipal Information & Utilities

City of Saskatoon – Utility Payment Extension

City of Saskatoon – Property Tax Extension

SaskTel – Sasktel Waives Data Overages and Offers Complimentary Channels

SaskPower – Taking Steps to Help Customers during COVID-19

SaskEnergy – COVID-19 Response

City of Saskatoon – COVID-19

City of Regina – COVID-19

City of Prince Albert – COVID-19

City of Moose Jaw – COVID-19

City of Humboldt – COVID-19

Other Information

Facebook – Small Business Grants

WHO – Getting your Workplace ready

CFIB – Small Business Resources for Dealing with COVID-19

WEOC – Emergency Preparedness Checklist

WEOC – COVID-19 Resources

Social School – Small Business Success Fund

MNP – COVID-19 Business Advice Centre

SREDA – COVID-19 Resources

Conexus Credit Union – COVID-19 Support and Resources

Audacity YQR – Mentorship Program

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COVID-19 Small Business Tips - Blog Resources

COVID-19 & Mental Heath

CDC – Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

CAMH – Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Continuity – Resources for Business Leaders

CMHA – 6 Tips to Respond to Employee Anxiety about COVID-19

Workr Beeing – Tips & Tricks to Help You Cope with COVID-19

MSN – 11 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health While Self-Isolating, According to Experts

CMHA – COVID-19: Mental health and well-being

Business & Work Related

Forbes – 5 Ways to Mindfully Work in The Era of Coronavirus

Facebook – Managing through and building resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak

The Story Co. – How to Engage & Lead Your Team Remotely

BDO – How to Respond to Liquidity and Debt Challenges in the Wake of COVID-19

Steve Blank – The Virus Survival Strategy For Your Startup

Katrina German – Five Tech Tools to Make it Easier for your Staff to Work from Home

Zoom – Ideas for Creating a Sense of Culture, Community Amid Social Distancing and Work-From-Home Mandates

Zoom – New to Working from Home? Here Are Some Tips to Help You Meet Like a Pro

Zoom – Top 10 PROVEN Tips to Setup a Temporary Work From Home Office Successfully

BizChix – How to Pivot your Small Business (Podcast)

SME Wealth Builder – Protecting Your Business In A Crisis

Medium – 7 Non-obvious Coronavirus Implications for Marketing

BDC – How to Cope with the Impacts of COVID-19 on Your Business

MNP – Business Recovery: Defining Your New Normal

Strategies for Women Owned Businesses During COVID-19

BBB – How to Become Better at Networking Despite the Conronavirus Keeping You at Home

Recorded Webinar – Wiegers Financial & Benefits

Conexus – Breaking Down the Emergency Support for COVID-19: Non-Profits & Charities

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COVID-19 Small Business Tips - Upcoming Webinars

May Webinars:

May 12 – Conexus: Managing Cash Flow

May 12, 13, & 14 – Virtual Symposium Presented by the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada: Ready, Set Get Back to Business

May 14 – Wiegers Financial & Benefits Facebook Live

May 14 – Zoom – Provincial Infrastructure Plan – Town Hall

May 21 – Wiegers Financial & Benefits Facebook Live

May 28 – Conexus: Stress Management

May 28 – Wiegers Financial & Benefits Facebook Live

June Webinars:

June 9 – Conexus: GST for Small Business

June 18 – Conexus: Financial Fluency – Part 2

July Webinars:

July 22 – Conexus: How to Innovate as a Small Business

August Webinars:

August 18 – Conexus: Time Management

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How Can You Support Local Small Businesses?

Looking to support your local small business owners during this tough time? Check out our list of local businesses that have adapted to new COVID-19 restrictions and are still open for business.