May isn’t just about sunshine and finally putting away your winter jacket. It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada.

This month shines a much-needed spotlight on mental wellness, reminding us that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, businesses, and families. And if you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner? You know better than anyone that stress can hit like a freight train.

That’s why it’s crucial to not just talk about it, but to do something about it.

• The mental health challenges of entrepreneurship
• Mental wellness is good business
• What can you do?
• Resources in Canada
• How can your business support mental wellness?
• You’re not alone

The mental health challenges of entrepreneurship

Let’s be real: running your own business isn’t all coffee shop meetings and “living the dream.” It’s wearing a dozen hats, balancing invoices, late nights, early mornings, and making about a thousand decisions before lunch.

Financial stress, decision fatigue, and endless to-do lists are the daily reality for many entrepreneurs. And while chasing your goals can be incredibly rewarding, it’s also isolating. Being the boss often means keeping your worries to yourself, which can make the loneliness even sharper.

Then there’s the stigma. Even today, too many folks think asking for help is a sign of weakness, especially in business, where "toughing it out" is worn like a badge of honour.

The numbers tell the story: According to a 2023 study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), over 46% of small business owners reported having mental health problems, including depression and acute stress, that affect their ability to work.

Mental wellness is good business

Here’s the truth: taking care of your mental health is good for business.

When your mind’s clear, you’re sharper, more creative, more decisive. You lead better, inspire more, and make smarter moves.

And your team? They notice. A healthy, mentally well leader creates a ripple effect. When your people see that it’s okay to prioritize wellness, they feel safer doing it too, which leads to better morale, less turnover, and a stronger, more loyal crew.

Long-term? Businesses that embrace mental wellness aren’t just surviving. They're thriving.

But at the end of the day, people matter more than your spreadsheets. Always.

What can you do?

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Start small, start real:

Sleep, move, unplug

• Aim for a solid 7–8 hours to keep your brain firing.
• Move your body daily, even if it's just a walk around the block. 
• And don’t forget a digital detox. Step away from the phone after hours. Emails can wait, but your peace of mind can't.

Work smarter

• Delegate what you can. You don’t have to be a one-person show.
• Prioritize what actually matters, not just what feels urgent.
• And say no without guilt. Your time (and sanity) is worth protecting.

Find your crew

Success isn’t a solitary sport.

• Lean on mentors, join peer groups, and don’t be afraid to talk to a therapist.
• Building your dream is easier and healthier with a support system behind you.

Stay grounded

• Meditate for a few minutes. Try a meditation app like Headspace or Calm. 
• Journal a few lines every day. It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare. Just a few lines about what you’re grateful for, what went well today, or what you want to let go of.
• Breathe deeply before meetings.

You don’t need to move to the Rockies to get it done. Little shifts can make a big difference.

Resources in Canada

You’re not flying solo. Help is out there:

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Local programs and advocacy across Canada.
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Resources for business owners and employees.
• Local initiatives: Many chambers of commerce and business groups offer mental health workshops.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): If you have a team, EAPs can offer confidential support for both you and your employees.
• Online platforms: Services like Maple offer virtual access to licensed therapists and mental health professionals across Canada. They provide flexible, confidential support through video or text sessions, making it easier to get help when and where you need it.
  
  

How can your business support mental wellness?

Want to be part of the change? Here’s how to build a healthier workplace:

• Create open dialogue: Normalize talking about mental health at work.
  
  
• Encourage mental health days: Give people the space to recharge without judgment.
  
  
• Offer wellness benefits: Subsidize therapy, mindfulness apps, or fitness memberships.
  
  
• Lead by example: Your team will follow if you walk the walk. Prioritize your own wellness first.

You’re not alone

If you’re struggling, remember this: You’re not weak. You’re human.

Seeking help isn’t quitting. It’s stepping up for yourself, your loved ones, and your business.

This May, join the Mental Health Awareness movement. Share your story. Reach out to someone you trust. Start the conversation in your business. You never know whose life you might change — starting with your own.

If the digital side of things ever feels overwhelming, WHC is here to help lighten the load, so you can focus on what matters most.

Let’s leave burnout behind. Your mind (and your business) will thank you.

There’s something special about a great cup of coffee, and it’s more than just taste. It’s a vibe, an experience.

For Café Boisé, coffee is a way to connect with people and bring warmth wherever they go. Founded by Léa and Maxime, this Quebec-based mobile espresso bar is redefining how and where we enjoy premium coffee, and WHC is proud to support a local business by powering its online presence.

From small-town café to coffee on wheels

Before opening their café, Maxime was living in Villeray and working in food service, while Léa worked at Chapleau Laroche Opticien on Laurier. They spent much of their free time together hanging out in local coffee shops.

After moving to the scenic small town of Rawdon, they realized something essential was missing: a café scene. So in October 2022, Léa opened Café Boisé right in the heart of town. Things grew fast, and the pair quickly realized they’d need bigger space, prompting a move to a former shoe repair shop.

Rental challenges forced the café to relocate again, this time to a small outdoor pavilion in the backyard of a neighbouring business. Eventually, the couple decided to embrace their nomadic spirit and hit the road with a mobile espresso bar.

A flawless pour, wherever you need it

Forget standing in line at a coffee shop; Café Boisé is all about bringing premium coffee right to the people. Their espresso bar is designed to serve everything from massive festivals to intimate weddings with the same level of quality and care. Whether it's a corporate function, a community hangout, or a local market, every cup is brewed to perfection.

And it’s not just coffee! They also offer matcha, teas, and seasonal specialties that use homemade syrups and fresh ingredients. Think pumpkin spice in the fall or fresh strawberry drinks in the summer. You can also find cool merch and coffee accessories on their online store!

Practice makes perfect

To become the skilled baristas they are today, Léa and Maxime took a course, binged YouTube tutorials, and learned from the best in the biz. But the real training? Drinking litre upon litre of coffee, refining their palates until they could craft the perfect brew in their sleep.

Sustainably bold

Café Boisé is deeply committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Their coffee beans come from responsible producers, and they even roast their own coffee in Montreal. By controlling the roasting process, they ensure a consistently fresh product that reflects their values.

Their dedication to sustainability also ranges from eco-friendly packaging to collaborating with local businesses that share their vision.

Where can you get Café Boisé coffee?

Can’t catch the mobile espresso bar? No worries! Their specialty blends are available at spots like Choco Chocolat in Joliette and L’Atelier d’Éco-Responsable in Rawdon. You can also order online and have it delivered straight to your door.

Need a recommendation? Maxime loves the blend of richness and bitterness of a cortado. For Léa, simple is often best: a good filter coffee or an oat latte, depending on her mood.

WHC: Powering Café Boisé’s online journey

A business like Café Boisé thrives on connection, in person and online. That’s why having a strong website is essential. 

WHC provides the hosting and domain services that help Café Boisé showcase their offerings, schedule events, and reach coffee lovers across Quebec. With a reliable online presence, they can focus on what they do best: delivering an amazing coffee experience, one cup at a time.

We actually have their coffee at our Montreal office, and the bags are emptying fast!

A better brew is waiting

Whether you’re planning an event or just want to enjoy some coffee at home, Café Boisé has you covered. Visit their website to see what they have in stock, book their espresso bar, or place an order. Great coffee is just a click away!

Ready for your business to thrive online?

Looking to take your business online or elevate your digital presence like Café Boisé? WHC provides powerful web hosting, domain registration, and website solutions designed to help small businesses thrive. Whether you’re launching your first website or optimizing an existing one, we have the tools and expertise to support your growth.

Time to brew your online presence to perfection. Get started with WHC today and grow a digital landscape that opens everyone’s eyes to what makes your business special!

April 22 is Earth Day, a chance to hit pause, look around, and think about how we treat our planet.

Let’s face it, big corporations need to own up and lead the charge in fixing the mess they’ve put us in, instead of spending millions on 11-minute joyrides to space.

As for the rest of us? There are still tons of ways we can contribute to a better future. In fact, small businesses have serious power to make a difference, one green step at a time.

At WHC, we run on 100% Canadian renewable energy, and we’re always looking for ways to tread lighter on the land. This Earth Day, we're challenging fellow Canadian businesses to think beyond reusable coffee cups and take bold, creative steps toward sustainability.

Here are 6 ways your business can make a meaningful impact.

• 1. Host green for a clean conscience
• 2. Time to simplify
• 3. Keep it local and lasting
• 4. Educate without preaching
• 5. Green your team’s day-to-day
• 6. Build a climate-conscious brand
• Final Word

1. Host green for a clean conscience

Ever wonder what’s powering your website behind the scenes? If your hosting provider runs on fossil fuels, every click could be adding to your carbon footprint.

Big tech burns through massive energy and creates serious e-waste. Their sprawling datacenters, often powered by non-renewables, guzzle electricity, and their “move fast and break things” culture rarely puts the planet first.

Hosting in Canada with WHC means your site runs on cleaner energy sources like hydroelectricity, while keeping your data closer to home. This means reduced data travel (and emissions!), and stronger privacy protections, all while supporting local green infrastructure. 

Keep it local. Keep it sustainable. Keep it Canadian.

2. Time to simplify

We don’t talk enough about digital pollution: Those massive email inboxes, duplicated files, and zombie apps clogging up servers and burning through energy.

Time for a good digital scrub!

• Clean out old emails, unused accounts, and abandoned projects.
• Streamline your website files and compress media where possible.
• Audit your plugins and integrations. Less bloat = less load.

You wouldn’t leave junk lying around your storefront. Don’t do it online, either.

3. Keep it local and lasting

From packaging to office supplies, resist the siren song of big-box imports. Choosing Canadian-made and sustainably sourced products supports the local economy and reduces emissions from global shipping.

• Need swag? Choose products from zero-waste suppliers.
• Shipping? Partner with local couriers and ask about carbon offset options.
• Packaging? Ditch the plastic wrap for recycled or compostable materials.

Remember, every step counts.

4. Educate without preaching

You don’t need to be David Suzuki to inspire change. Share what you're doing, how you’re learning, and where you're improving. Keep it honest and human.

• Post behind-the-scenes content of your eco efforts.
• Highlight your suppliers’ sustainability cred.
• Start conversations in your newsletter or social feeds.

You’re not just selling products. You’re building a community that cares. If you're already a WHC client, be sure to share the love and refer a friend. You’ll get three months of free hosting for every successful referral, and they will too! And hey, that’s one more person hosting green with a Canadian provider that cares about the environment.

5. Green your team’s day-to-day

We’re not just talking about compost bins and LED lights (though those help). Think broader:

• Encourage biking or public transit with small incentives.
• Provide eco-friendly cleaning and bathroom products.
• Opt for remote or hybrid work when possible. It's greener and often more productive!

Even tiny changes can help shift the culture.

6. Build a climate-conscious brand

Your values are part of your brand. Committing to the environment is the right thing to do, but it’s also good business.

• Add a short sustainability statement to your website. Or a Green Hosting Badge if you’re with WHC!
• Join Canadian business coalitions that support climate action.
• Run Earth Day promos that donate part of your sales to tree-planting or conservation groups.

8 in 10 Canadians value a sustainable lifestyle, so make sure your customers know what you stand for.

Final Word

Being green isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

From coast to coast, Canadian small businesses are stepping up, showing that climate action doesn’t have to be complex or costly.

So this Earth Day, let’s move past the token gestures and start thinking differently. Whether it’s switching your hosting, streamlining your digital ecosystem, or just saying “nope” to more plastic junk, we can all do our part.

It’s time to make every click count. Choose eco-friendly hosting with WHC and power your website the sustainable way, every day.

Big news, Canada! You can now choose exactly where your websites and data are hosted: Eastern, Western, or Central Canada. Whether you’re aiming for faster load times, better compliance, or added redundancy, you’re in full control of your hosting environment.

At WHC, we’re all about helping Canadians succeed online, and this new feature gives you even more power to build the way you want, right here at home.

Ready to dive in?

Why server location matters

Server location plays a huge role in the performance and accessibility of your website. By choosing a server that’s closer to your target audience, you can boost loading speeds and improve user experience.

Plus, hosting in Canada is more important than ever.

WHC’s Canadian server locations

We’re proud to say that all of WHC’s servers are right here in Canada. From coast to coast your data stays local, secure, and close to home. Because when it comes to hosting, keeping things Canadian just makes sense, eh?

• Eastern Canada (Montreal): Ideal for clients targeting audiences in Quebec and the Maritimes. Also perfect for bilingual sites serving both English and French-speaking users.
  
  
• Central Canada (Toronto): A balanced choice for nationwide coverage, especially for clients with audiences across Canada.
  
  
• Western Canada (Vancouver): The best choice for clients targeting audiences in British Columbia and Alberta.
  
  

Benefits of choosing your server location:

Now that you have control over exactly where in Canada your data is hosted, here’s what that means for you:

• Better performance, giving your customers a breezy experience.
• Data sovereignty, keeping your data secure within Canadian borders.
• Reliability, with your data spread across multiple locations for redundancy.
• Targeted reach, helping you connect faster and rank better with local audiences.

How to choose your server location

It’s super simple: when setting up your hosting account with WHC, choose your preferred server location at checkout. Our easy-to-use interface makes it simple to make the best choice for your business.

Already with us? No problem! If you want to change your server location, our expert support team can help with the migration.

Ready to give your audience the speed and performance they deserve?

Power your site with WHC today!