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.

Read More Posts

The Latest

[CDM Micro-credential] Minding the Gaps: Communicating Across Differences

Organizations today demand leaders who can communicate effectively with diverse teams. Are your communication skills helping you move forward—or holding you back?

[APPLICATIONS OPEN] Video Games Business Development Program

A partnership between Creative BC and Canada Media Fund designed to support the company success and growth of B.C.-based game studios. Apply by October 1.

[CDM Micro-credential] Creative Problem Solving in Digital Media

Ready to level up your problem-solving and digital leadership skills? This 9-week online course is designed for professionals who want to use digital media products not just for creation, but as solutions to real-world problems.

Full Indie Monthly Meetup: September 2025

September 2: Come meet and mingle with fellow Vancouver indie game developers at Microsoft's Vancouver office. Play demos, and get feedback!