Entrepreneurship, mental health theme of chamber event

Head of WCB to discuss modernization of programs

The link between entrepreneurship and mental health will be the focus of an upcoming lunch and learn hosted by the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce.

Entrepreneur and mental health activist Michael DeVenney will speak about The Mindset Project he founded. The project offers a unique approach to understanding the relationship between growing a business as an entrepreneur and balancing your stress and mental wellbeing.

DeVenney, president of the Halifax-based management consulting firm, Bluteau DeVenney and Company, will also share his personal mental health struggles which led him to launch his project.

The talk ties in with a national policy proposal the chamber has submitted for consideration by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, seeking support from the federal government for entrepreneurs facing mental health challenges.

“Our chamber is proud to advocate on behalf of entrepreneurs, the backbone of small business in Canada,” said president Alex Stevenson. “Our policy shares concern about the degrading mental health of employees and entrepreneurs threatening the well-being of the nation’s economy. There is evidence to show exposure to excessive stress, which contributes to anxiety and depression, is impacting productivity while further depleting the entrepreneurial spirit.”

Another aspect of the lunch and learn will be a presentation from Stuart MacLean, CEO of the Worker’s Compensation Board regarding details about the modernization of the board’s program in the province.

The event is set for next Friday (June 9), from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the NSCC Truro Campus, Salon C, and is cosponsored by the campus and Village Family PharmaChoice.

The cost to attend is $20 plus HST for members, $25 plus HST for non-members.

To reserve a seat, contact the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email oa@tcchamber.ca.