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Things a business owner can do during COVID-19

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BY CHRISTINA GWIRA

I remember during one of our episodes of In the Now, I expressed my frustration to my co-host Simone about the fact that at that time, everything in the news was surrounding COVID-19. Boy was I in for a shock! What once was an annoying news item to report on has become a global pandemic, slowing markets, closing businesses and killing people in the thousands. Bringing this news closer to home, many businesses and entrepreneurs are struggling to find their feet during this time of uncertainty, and with good reason. We are living through a pandemic. As defined by Wikipedia (don’t shoot me), “a pandemic is an epidemic of disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of people.” This is the first time many of us have lived through these conditions: long lineups for food, limited movement and fear surround us. Times seem bleak; times seem bad. But with everything, there is a silver lining, even for small businesses who may be feeling the weight and brunt of these times the hardest.

I’ve compiled a to-do list of sorts for the entrepreneur and small business owner who may seem a bit lost in the foray at this time. You may have lost business, may be considering closing up shop, and that’s rough. However, this would be a great time to look at turning your business into something new, something different. During the housing crash of 2008, businesses like Uber, Airbnb, Square, Slack and Dropbox found their feet and more than a decade later are still making headway in the game. There is hope for you yet.

Immerse yourself in social media and the web
If six months ago you didn’t have time to figure out how to setup your company email, now is the time to do so! Everyone is on social media… EVERYONE! Most people are working from home, meaning more people are spending time – and money – online. Use this time to get to know what the social media landscape looks like. Pretty up your banners, start building your website, create communities surrounding your business. Now is the time for your business to go online, so get to it.

Go over your finances
There are a number of plans and programs being provided by the government. However, these programs may require you to get certain forms and documents together and in order. Here’s your chance to catch up on your bookkeeping, pay your accountant a visit and see if your business is in the right place to take advantage of these programs. You may never know what help the government may be able to provide you and your business during this time. Reach out, get organized and see if there is some way that you can get the help your business needs during this time.

See where you can pivot
Let’s say you have a restaurant; now might be a good time to get onto Uber Eats and Doordash in a big way! If you’re a hairstylist, it may be time to start bringing your hair routine tutorials to Youtube and Instagram. Are you a lawyer or service person? Now’s your chance to start planning out that webinar and course you’ve been talking about for so long. It’s become very clear to all of us that this is the new normal; this could be the way things will be for some time. As my dad would say, “change your hand”. You have the opportunity to test, change and turn the direction of your business around during this season. Believe it or not, the market is much more forgiving. Give it a shot, whatever it may be for your business.

Seek partnerships
In the book of Ecclesiastics, it states that, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken […] two is better than one”. Build alliances and partnerships that could help benefit the good of your business and clients, as well as the customer base of another business. As an example: maybe, as a restaurant, you could partner up with a baker to provide your food plus tasty cakes and baked goods with each order. A web designer could partner up with an illustrator to provide additional custom graphic work to clients. There is more than one way to share the wealth and help each other out with their business.

We’re in different times. None of us have walked on this path before or ridden on this journey. It’s all new to many of us. However, with these simple tips, I hope that our community of businesspeople and entrepreneurs will be able to find new vim during this time. It is through our dedication and ingenuity that we were able to create businesses in the first place. Corona can’t keep us down.

Girl boss, Christina Gwira happens to be a technology wiz, and now heads up our Technology Specialist Column. She became her own boss for the first time in 2008. Running her own business provided her with the lessons and experience she needed, and now,she is running three successful businesses, has over 10+ years in business,and 1.5+ million views on Youtube. “My calling is to prevent other millennial entrepreneurs from going through some of the hardships I went through. I am here to equip bloggers, brand builders and business owners with the framework to build a brand, ready to impact this digital age.”

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Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

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Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community​​.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale​​.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

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Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

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Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.

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Staying Safe: A Guide to Responsible Gambling in Ontario

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If you want to test your luck, gambling is one of the most thrilling activities. But it’s important that every player practices safe gambling habits. Since gambling sites are easy to access, players are at a higher risk of problem gambling.

The Ontario government has put several measures in place to promote responsible gambling at online casinos. Both the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario work together to ensure all legal gambling is conducted in a safe manner and players are aware of the risks.

To better dive into the topic we’ve asked gambling experts from CasinoRIX to share their awareness and competence. CasinoRIX Ontario is well-known for the focus on responsible gambling and how it affects the players’ well-being. Below, we’ll unveil more insight on how you can stay safe when you gamble online.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Before you play casino games online, you should be familiar with the concept of responsible gambling. Basically, it’s using a set of principles to minimize any risks of gambling. You should also be aware of what risks are involved with gambling and how they could affect you.

Some basic rules to follow for a responsible gambling experience include:

  • Setting limits for how much you spend and how long you play.
  • Gamble for entertainment only.
  • Never chase losses.
  • Only bet money that you can afford to lose.

One thing to remember about gambling is that there is never a guarantee that you will win. The results are always random. It’s very easy to get caught up in the thrill of playing casino games, especially if you have won big in the past.

Government Regulations and Support Services

All online casinos must register for a license with AGCO in order to operate in Ontario. AGCO is responsible for regulating online casinos and gambling activity. Their goal is to ensure that online casinos are working in a safe and accountable manner.

In order for a casino to qualify for an AGCO license, it must meet specific standards. This will include a full review of policies, games, culture, advertising/marketing, and other features.

An AGCO license is the most important thing to look for when you want to gamble at a safe online casino in Ontario. However, there are other resources available that are aimed at helping to limit the risks of problem gambling. This includes:

  • Responsible Gambling Council– a non-profit agency with helpful information and resources.
  • ConnexOntario– 24/7 support focused on problem gambling, mental health, and addiction.
  • OLG PlaySmart– helpful information on making good choices while gambling.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Playing casino games can be a lot of fun. But, it’s only a fun experience if you’re playing responsibly. That’s why you should always follow rules to ensure you play safe and responsibly. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:

  • Play within your budget. Your gambling budget should be an amount that you’re comfortable losing.
  • Set a time limit. Avoid playing casino games for long periods of time. If you do plan on playing games all night, make sure you take breaks in between.
  • Wager on games you’re familiar with. You should always know the rules and odds of a game before placing a bet. You can also play demo rounds of casino games to become familiar with them before wagering.
  • Accept your losses. You should always be mentally prepared to lose money when gambling. Avoid the temptation to win back the money you lost because it usually results in losing more money.
  • Only gamble for fun. It’s not a legitimate way to make money. Casino games are for entertainment purposes.
  • Know the warning signs. Every gambler should be aware of what warning signs point to problem gambling. This includes increasing your gambling budget, borrowing money to place bets, and neglecting your responsibilities to gamble, among many other signs.

Community Initiatives and Education

One of the best community programs for safe gambling education is the Responsible Gambling Council. This is a non-profit organization that’s focused on preventing problem gambling and creating gambling safeguards. They have been leaders in the industry for over 40 years.

The main initiative of this organization is to promote a positive change with gambling. They also provide several programs, like the Discovery Conference and Youth Gambling Awareness Program.Conclusion

We believe that every player needs to be aware of the risks of gambling to develop safe habits. The concept of responsible gambling is to promote safe practices and minimize risks. Setting rules and limits before you play is an excellent way to start off your experience on the right path.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of problematic gambling, there are several support resources available. This includes the Responsible Gambling Council, ConnexOntario, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

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