Owners can apply for their chance to win $125,000 in funding, advertising and technology, plus additional prizes to help their business grow and thrive

TORONTO, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TELUS’ #StandWithOwners program is back for its fourth consecutive year, championing business owners, leaders and teams who are doing things differently and making an impact in their local communities. With small businesses employing 10 million Canadians, representing 69 per cent of private sector employment growth in Canada year-over-year, TELUS is recognizing the critical role business owners play in fueling innovation, propelling economic growth and driving social change.

“Every day, businesses are out there doing bold and incredible things to change the game for their customers and communities,” said Navin Arora, Executive Vice-president, TELUS and President, TELUS Business. “That entrepreneurial spirit and innovation is worth recognizing, and as a proud supporter of Canadian business, we want to put the spotlight on owners and empower them to do even greater things that move our economy and society forward.”

Starting today until September 6, 2023, businesses can apply at telus.com/StandWithOwners for a chance to win one of five grand prize packages, valued at over $125,000 each, including $50,000 in cash, $50,000 in advertising, over $25,000 in technology and business services from TELUS and their partners, a round-trip package to Vancouver to celebrate their achievement, as well as access to customized mentorship through the TELUS advisory council. In addition, 15 finalists will each receive $20,000 in funding, technology and additional prizing. Throughout the summer, applicants will also be randomly selected as part of the “50 Days of Hustle” to win further prizes.

Applicants will demonstrate how their business is changing the game, solving the problems of today and tomorrow and using technology to grow and differentiate their business. Winners will be selected by a judging panel that includes Roi Ross, Vice-president of Marketing at TELUS Business; Anjali Kapal, Vice-president, Product Management & Customer Experience at Canada Post; Penny Hicks, Managing Director, Client Partnerships at The Globe and Mail; and Mark Hickman, Managing Director at Sage Canada.

The panel of judges also features Lourdes Juan, Founder of Leftovers Foundation and 2021 #StandWithOwners winner. As an award-winning entrepreneur who has founded a diverse array of organizations, Juan knows firsthand the importance of being recognized as a growing business and having the support of other business leaders in the community.

“Winning #StandWithOwners helped our organization gain visibility in spaces that we weren’t able to capture before and propel our business to the next level,” said Juan. “Outside of the amazing prizes, the exposure and partnership that came from TELUS allowed us to share our story with Canadians, spread the word of our mission and help our business grow further.”

TELUS is a proud supporter of Canadian business. Since 2020, TELUS has committed $3.5 million to #StandWithOwners, providing funding, advertising and technology to help businesses thrive in a digital world. As part of TELUS’ greater commitment to the growth of Canadian business, over $300 million has been invested to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and leaders of tomorrow through the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good and TELUS Ventures.

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit telus.com/StandWithOwners.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 31 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.5 billion, including 2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact:
TELUS Public Relations
Tatianna Goldsney
tatianna.goldsney@telus.com
587-897-7430