Small Business Funding: TELUS’s #StandWithOwners names 2026 winners for Small Business Month, awarding three grand-prize businesses $125,000 each plus tech and exposure—continuing a program that has invested nearly $7M since 2020. Wealth-Advice Industry Move: Canada Life is launching IPC Wealth by amalgamating IPC Investment Corp. and Quadrus, creating a national mutual fund dealer with 2,500+ advisors and plans for further integration into its investment securities business. Women’s Safety Support: Minister Rechie Valdez announced up to $472,100 in new funding for She Matters United to expand a rural/remote project on forensic evidence self-collection for survivors of sexualized violence. Local Tourism & Events: Action sports entrepreneur Micah Desforges’ Jackalope model keeps events free, leaning on sponsors and local partners to drive tourism spending for small businesses. Workplace Dispute: Nico Wynd Golf workers in Surrey are on strike over seniority, unpaid wages and harassment claims, with a solidarity BBQ planned. Retail/Service Benchmark: Intouch Insight’s 26th annual Canada drive-thru study reports the fastest average visit since 2018, with speed and order accuracy still top priorities. Mental Health in Agriculture: BASF and The Do More Ag Foundation are pushing AgTalk, a free anonymous peer support space for agriculture workers, as mental health awareness ramps up.