Connect with us

Technology

TELUS launches fifth and largest #StandWithOwners contest, investing over $1 million into Canadian small businesses

Published

on

Owners can apply for their chance to win $200,000 in funding and national recognition to fuel their business growth.

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ – TELUS is announcing the return of its #StandWithOwners contest for its fifth consecutive year with over $1 million in prizing, the largest prize pool in the program’s history. With Small Businesses accounting for 98% of all employer businesses in Canada*, TELUS is continuing its commitment to support and recognize the outsized impact business owners have on our communities and our economy.

Starting today through September 4, 2024, businesses are invited to apply at telus.com/StandWithOwners for their chance to win one of five grand prize packages. Each package is valued at over $200,000, including $50,000 in cash, $115,000 in advertising and national recognition, $25,000 in TELUS technology and a $10,000 TELUS Health well-being package. Additionally, 15 finalists will each receive $20,000 in funding and technology.

TELUS is seeking applicants that will demonstrate what makes their business unique, their use of technology to drive innovation, and a proven track record of growth. Additionally, applicants will be asked to show how the success of their business has made a meaningful impact on their local economies and communities.

“Business owners put it all on the line, day in, day out. They push forward with undeterred optimism, passion, purpose and perseverance. They are determined to succeed and create a better future for themselves and their families, employees, customers and communities.”, says Roi Ross, SVP & President, Small and Medium Business at TELUS. “Their unwavering belief that it’s worth the risk to continually grow and innovate deserves to be celebrated. That is why we are investing the full power of TELUS behind small business owners. This year’s #StandWithOwners program is our largest contest yet, with over $1 million in prizing, designed to ensure owners and their teams are empowered to thrive in our digital world.”

“Our win had a profound impact on our business, allowing us to automate processes quicker and gain significant brand recognition across Canada.” said Georges Aczam of AquaVerti Farms Inc., one of the five grand prize winners of the 2023 #StandWithOwners contest. “On a personal level, walking down the street and seeing our ads that TELUS funded was an unforgettable experience. Being a business owner requires perseverance and you constantly doubt yourself, but winning #StandWithOwners gave the validation and boost to keep moving forward, not just for me but for our whole team.”

The 2024 #StandWithOwners contest highlights TELUS’ continued dedication to championing Canadian businesses. Since 2020, TELUS has committed $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 owners, start-ups and leaders of tomorrow through the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good and TELUS Ventures.

For more information and to apply for this year’s contest, visit telus.com/StandWithOwners.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 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 32 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, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing 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 nearly 72 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 $1.7 billion, including 2.2 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 X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

___________________

 

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

DTE Energy intends to pause future electric rate requests following upcoming filing as data centers come online

Published

on

By

Affordability benefits from data centers expected to help offset reliability investments for all customers

DETROIT, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) announced today that its electric company intends to forego asking for rate increases for at least two years following its upcoming filing with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on April 28, 2026.

“Now more than ever, we know affordability matters to our customers – and we’re doing everything we can to keep energy bills as low as possible while also providing the reliable power they need,” said Joi Harris, president and chief executive officer, DTE Energy. “As long as the first data center project we’re supporting comes online as planned by the end of 2027 and we’re able to receive other regulatory approvals, we will refrain from filing another rate request until at least 2028—providing customers two years without an increase in rates after the current request is complete.”

Affordability Benefits of Data Center Development

When a new large customer is brought onto the electric system, fixed costs can be spread more widely. DTE’s two data center contracts – one approved and one currently with the MPSC for approval – will contribute nearly $9 billion to improving DTE’s electric system through 2045, helping to reduce the total amount needed from other customers.

“That’s why we’re excited to see the expected benefits of responsible data center development come to fruition,” said Harris. “This new industry is not only helping to grow Michigan’s economy, but once the data centers are fully online, it will make energy more affordable for all customers while bolstering our investments in creating the grid of the future.” 

Upcoming investment request

DTE Electric’s upcoming investment request is designed to build on recent reliability gains and continue strengthening its electric grid for the customers and communities the company serves in southeast Michigan. The request reflects DTE’s ongoing commitment to targeted investments that reduce outages, restore power faster when interruptions do occur and ensure reliable and cleaner energy for customers every day.

In 2025, DTE’s electric customers experienced the company’s best reliability performance in nearly 20 years — progress driven by sustained investments in tree trimming, grid hardening, automation and other system improvements.

“Reliable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about supporting families, businesses and the broader Michigan economy,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric. “While we’re proud of our progress, we know we have more work ahead. Every investment we make moves us closer to our goal: a stronger, more reliable grid for every DTE customer, no matter the weather.”

As DTE continues investing in reliability and cleaner energy, the company is focused on limiting the long-term impact on customer bills and reducing the need for future rate requests. DTE continues to drive efficiencies in its operations and expects growing data center development to create meaningful customer affordability benefits over time.

What Happens Next

The filing on April 28 represents a formal request of $474.3 million to support several billion dollars of investment in the electric grid and power generation, marking the beginning of an approximately 10‑month regulatory review process. A final decision by the MPSC and any potential rate changes are not expected until late February 2027.

Key Things Media Should Know

The filing itself does not result in a bill increase. The filing will be reviewed by the MPSC as a contested case with opportunity for intervenor testimony. A final decision on the rate request will not be received from the MPSC until February 2027, with a customer rate change happening soon after.

Customers are seeing real reliability improvements – when we invest, it works.
DTE delivered its most reliable year in nearly 20 years in 2025, reducing the time customers spent without power by 60% compared to 2024, building on a 70% improvement the year before. Continued investment is essential to delivering the reliability customers demand and deserve. Learn more: Building a stronger, more reliable electric grid for you

These investments are enhancing DTE’s clean energy advancements. The upcoming filing also supports the completion of the conversion of the Belle River Power Plant from coal to natural gas as well as the development of the Trenton Channel Energy Center – expected to be the largest stand-along battery energy storage facility in the Great Lakes region when it is commissioned. Learn more: DTE CleanVision IRP: Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050

DTE remains focused on affordability. Since 2021, DTE’s electric bill growth has been among the lowest in the country. Residential electric bills are in the first quartile nationally and remain below the state of Michigan, Great Lakes region and national averages. For more information about DTE’s plans to build the energy grid of the future and the impact of our investment requests, visit https://www.dteenergy.com/future

No costs related to data centers are included in this investment request and data centers will not raise customer rates. Data centers—including the one DTE has been approved to support in Saline Township and the project under review in Van Buren Township – are governed by separate contracts and are required to pay the full cost of the infrastructure needed to serve them, ensuring other customers are protected. DTE customers will NOT subsidize data center rates. For more information, visit dteenergy.com/datacenterfacts

About DTE Energy 

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.4 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dte-energy-intends-to-pause-future-electric-rate-requests-following-upcoming-filing-as-data-centers-come-online-302752078.html

SOURCE DTE Energy

Continue Reading

Technology

Therap Timesheet Module: Simplifying Staff Hours and Activity Management

Published

on

By

TORRINGTON, Conn., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Therap Services, the national leader in HIPAA-compliant electronic documentation solutions for organizations in Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and other human services industries, has introduced a new Timesheet module designed to simplify how staff track daily work activities and paid/unpaid time off, helping agencies reduce administrative complexity and focus more on delivering quality services.

Centralized Time Tracking and Administration

The Timesheet module brings staff time tracking into one centralized system, reducing the need for manual processes and disconnected tools. Agencies can track staff activities consistently across teams, improving clarity and standardization.

Flexible Timesheet Creation and Approval Workflow

With built-in workflows for submitting and reviewing time entries, the module helps reduce administrative burden while supporting timely approvals. Agencies gain better control over staff hours, helping ensure accurate records and smoother internal processes.

Self-Service Tools for Staff

Staff can easily log their hours and time off through a simple interface, empowering them to manage their own entries. This reduces back-and-forth communication and allows teams to focus more on service delivery.

Dynamic Views and Navigation

Multiple viewing options make it easier for both staff and administrators to understand schedules at a glance. This improved visibility supports better planning, coordination, and day-to-day decision-making, especially in fast-paced service environments.

Integrated EVV and Visual Tracking

By aligning timesheet entries with scheduled services, the module helps promote consistency between recorded time and delivered services. Visual indicators show the status of entries at a glance, making oversight more efficient and helping agencies stay compliant and audit-ready.

Why This Matters for Providers

The Timesheet module helps agencies:

Reduce manual effort and administrative workloadImprove accuracy and consistency in staff time trackingIncrease visibility into staff activities and schedulesSupport timely approvals and better oversightStrengthen alignment between services and recorded time

To know more, visit:

https://www.therapservices.net/products/comprehensive-esolution-for-person-centered-services/

About Therap Services

Therap’s comprehensive and HIPAA-compliant software is used in human services settings for documentation, communication, reporting, EVV and billing.

Learn more at:

https://www.therapservices.net/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/therap-timesheet-module-simplifying-staff-hours-and-activity-management-302752012.html

SOURCE Therap Services

Continue Reading

Technology

Groundfloor Co-Founder and CEO Brian Dally Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Finalist by EY US

Published

on

By

EY US celebrates entrepreneurs shaping the future of business

ATLANTA, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Groundfloor, the award-winning private markets platform, today announced that its co-founder and CEO, Brian Dally, has been named one of 35 finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Award, one of the most prestigious awards programs in the world.

Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program by EY US celebrates leaders who reshape industries, drive innovation, and create long-term value. An independent panel of judges selected Dally as a finalist following a rigorous application and interview process.

“We built Groundfloor from day one for the purpose of opening access to private markets on equal terms for the full spectrum of individual retail investors,” said Dally. “The importance of that mission has always been fuel for overcoming the barriers, misapprehensions, and challenges we’ve faced. I am profoundly grateful for this recognition, my 13-year partnership with Nick, and the believers who contributed their talent, capital, and ideas to making it possible.”

After a successful stint with Republic Wireless, where he helped deliver affordable mobile phone access to millions, Dally launched Groundfloor with the goal of expanding access to private capital markets. Despite early skepticism from industry experts, he and his co-founder, Nick Bhargava, invested significant personal resources and navigated complex regulatory hurdles to bring the concept to life. Their efforts led to the first-ever SEC qualification of its kind, opening a new pathway for individual investors to participate in private markets.

Under Dally’s leadership, Groundfloor has grown into a category leader with more than 300,000 registered users who have invested over $2.2 billion across its platform. The company pioneered fractional investments into deferred pay business purpose residential real estate debt, a now widely recognized asset class, and has continued to innovate with products like Groundfloor Notes. In keeping the company aligned with its vision, Dally also turned to individual investors instead of VCs for growth capital. Groundfloor is now proudly owned by 32% of its own customers.

Over the last 13 years, Groundfloor has been widely recognized for its innovation, growth, and unique approach to fundraising, earning accolades including the Forbes Fintech 50, Benzinga’s Best Alternative Investment Platform, and six consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list.

Regional award winners for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast Award will be announced on June 18th in Charlotte, N.C., and will go on to be considered for national honors later this year.

About Groundfloor
Groundfloor is an award-winning investing and lending company that unlocks institutional-grade private markets for investors and borrowers. Known for its regulatory prowess and developing new financial products, the company was the very first to be qualified to offer direct real estate debt investments for both accredited and non-accredited audiences alike. Groundfloor has won numerous awards for its product innovation and growth, including the Forbes Fintech 50 and six years in a row of being on the Inc. 5000. Since it launched in 2013, Groundfloor’s investors have invested $2.2 billion across its offerings. Start investing or borrowing at Groundfloor.com.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year ®
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year ® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum ® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year ® competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

Media Contact:
Hela Sheth
hela@katalystcomms.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/groundfloor-co-founder-and-ceo-brian-dally-named-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2026-southeast-finalist-by-ey-us-302752071.html

SOURCE Groundfloor Finance Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending