DigiBC COVID-19 Weekly Update

Our weekly updates will have pertinent information on government policies, industry responses, and tips on getting through this challenging time.

Week of May 29, 2020

Government Announcements / Policies / Funding

  • Free Online Coding Workshops for Kids in BC – May 24
    From creating online games to building websites, students in the province now have access to free online coding workshops through the Ministry of Education’s website, Keep Learning BC.
  • Government Announces ‘Find Financial Help During COVID-19’ Tool – May 22
    The online tool provides individuals with information on federal, provincial and territorial benefits programs available to them, including the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and the Canada Child Benefit top-up, as well as mortgage and student loan deferrals.
  • Hotline for Small Businesses Needing Financial Planning Advice – May 25
    The Government of Canada will support the launch of a four-week hotline service called the Business Resilience Service. This will help entrepreneurs and small business owners in need of financial planning advice, particularly those who may not have access to an accountant. The service will also be open to not-for-profit organizations and charities.

 

Industry-Related News

Signal Boosting / #GiveBack / How Can I Help?

  • #DifferentTogether Campaign: Pledge to Fight Racism in BC
    DigiBC joins The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, the Business Council of BC and many others in pledging to uphold the Canadian values of diversity and inclusion, and to oppose racism and hate in all of its forms. We’ve read about some of the recent attacks in BC. Let’s fight COVID-19, not each other. Please join us in supporting the #DifferentTogether campaign.

 

Upcoming Virtual Events of Interest

June 1-3: VR/AR Global Summit Online Conference

June 23: NGPX: New Game + Expo

August 4-6: Venture Summit Virtual Global | Connect

August 4-6: Game Developers Conference Summer – Online

August 25-29: Gamescom Online

  • CanExport SMEs   ***Now Adapted for Virtual Conferences***
    Apply online for up to $75,000 in CanExport SMEs funding to cover up to 75% of your international market development activities. Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may choose up to (5) export markets to target, where your company has no or minimal business.

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The Latest

[Applications Open] Opportunities at G-STAR 2025 (Nov 13-15, South Korea)

Trade and Invest BC is pleased to invite BC video game companies that are seeking opportunities to expand in South Korea and internationally to G-STAR 2025. Apply by September 7.

IGB Sessions: How to Fund, Publish & Run an Indie Studio (Sept 17-18, 2025)

Delve into key topics on game funding, startup studio challenges, and growth strategies — each session is designed to guide you on the journey to successfully launching your game and building your studio.

Canadian Games Steam Sale (July 1-8)

Celebrate indie creativity from coast to coast and discover more than 300 games made in Canada! 🇨🇦

LEVEL UP: Video Game Tools for Performing Artists (Apply by July 4)

Developed in collaboration with re:Naissance Opera, DigiBC and Alex Coulombe (Agile Lens), this hands-on intensive is about making cutting-edge digital tools more accessible to IBPOC creators and artists working in live performance.