Aug 31, 2026
#StandWithOwners: Win a $10,000 wellness prize to help beat burnout
Beat burnout. Apply for the 2026 TELUS #StandWithOwners program to win a $10,000 Community Wellness Award and an exclusive TELUS Health package.
Authored by TELUS Business
For Canadian small business owners, growth is usually measured in revenue, customer acquisition and market share. But there's a silent metric that’s critical to any growing company: the physical and mental wellbeing of the owner and their team.
Running a business is a marathon fueled by passion, but it often comes at a steep personal cost. According to a study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 62% of Canadian business owners feel depressed at least once a week, and 46% report that mental health issues directly interfere with their ability to work.
Compound this with findings from the TELUS Mental Health Index, which shows Canadian worker mental health score sits at a persistently low baseline, with 34% of Canadian workers falling into the high mental health risk category. With over one-third of the workforce experiencing severe psychological strain, operational stress and employee burnout remain two of the largest hurdles facing Canadian employers today.
Supporting the people behind your business
At TELUS, we believe that backing small businesses means protecting the people who build them. That's why our signature #StandWithOwners program's returning for its seventh consecutive year, committing close to $7 million to-date in funding, technology and exposure to help Canadian businesses.
But this year, we're taking support a step further by bridging the gap between business health and human health. We've partnered with TELUS Health to provide wellness packages directly into this year's prizes. We're moving past generic corporate perks to deliver clinical, preventative care that supports your people.
Inside the wellness prize package
This year, we're awarding six specialized Community Awards, including the Community Wellness Award. The lucky winner will receive $10,000 in funding along with a comprehensive TELUS Health and connectivity package, including:
- Personalized preventive care: Two TELUS Preventive Health Assessments at a TELUS Health Care Centre (approximate value up to $5,500). Winners will receive individualized, supportive care from a clinician to establish a clear health baseline and reach their personal wellness goals.
- Enterprise-level employee support: A TELUS Health Essential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for up to 100 employees (approximate value up to $4,500). This grants your team 24/7 confidential access to mental health support, financial counseling, and well-being resources.
- Digital wellness: Additionally, we’re excited to share that we’re adding TELUS Health Engage to the package. an all-in-one digital wellbeing platform that turns everyday health habits into an engaging, team-wide experience. Featuring gamified fitness and wellness challenges, activity tracking, personalized coaching and direct mobile access to EAP resources, it keeps teams motivated, connected and supported wherever they work.
To keep your team seamlessly connected, the award also includes two Business 5G+ Complete Unlimited plans (value up to $4,080). See telus.com/Guidelines for complete contest rules.
Spotlighting independent healthcare and wellness leaders
While #StandWithOwners champions businesses across all sectors, we're putting a dedicated focus on the local heroes who keep our communities healthy.
From independent clinics and physical therapists to fitness studios and mental health advocates, wellness business owners carry a dual burden: managing your operations while caring for the wellbeing of others.
To honour these owners, our Community Wellness Award recognizes independent health and wellness business owners who demonstrate a commitment to compassionate care or health innovation.
*Visit website for full contest details.
