The population is aging, in 2013 Canadian seniors made up approximately 15% of the total population.  By 2036 this number is expected to increase by 23-25%.  Research shows that an estimated 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.  Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. was created to address this issue. The company is co-founded by two partners, Sabby Duthie and Parnell Nolan, who together have over 50 years of experience working and servicing the older population. Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. is a federally incorporated company with its head office located in Brockville, Ontario. It is a social enterprise that designs, creates, and delivers positive social programming through a virtual platform for seniors and those with special needs.  

Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. offers fun and engaging virtual events that you can sign up for online. These interactive events are the perfect way to meet new friends, socialize and share stories. They offer paint workshops, happy hour sing-a-longs, book clubs, and yoga sessions. Sabby Duthie and Parnell Nolan provide all the engagement tools needed to enjoy the sessions and help build strong social connections. 

“The support and guidance provided by Digital Main Street in helping to design our website so that we can address social isolation for the older person was remarkable.  The time that was taken to listen to what Bumbershoot is and what it is trying to address was time well spent, and as a result, the creative and innovative measures adopted by Digital Main Street was translated into an active, on the point and an interactive and innovative website that will help address social isolation for the older person. “ 

The ShopHERE powered by Google program has been a key tool in helping Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. accomplish its mission. The ShopHERE  program makes it easy for small businesses to create a virtual storefront and connect with the right audience. The design of the ShopHERE program made it easy for Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. to create a successful eCommerce business. The program provides small steps for business owners to follow and one-on-one support from an eCommerce Coordinator.  

“It was made easy for us because we had an amazing e-commerce consultant, Simon.  The process is not at all difficult because ShopHERE powered by Google program has taken the time to create small steps that the business owner must take.  Each step is celebrated.” 

In the end, Bumbershoot Solutions Inc. is a passion project dedicated to improving older individuals' mental well-being and social connections through interactive and fun programming. With the help of the ShopHERE powered by Google program and the support of their eCommerce Coordinator, the company has been able to create a successful eCommerce business that is making a positive impact on the lives of older individuals. 

“Being a small business owner is not an easy path, but it is a successful path if you decide to follow the small steps each day that are required to make the business successful. Surround yourself with the right tools to bring the idea alive and this is what ShopHERE powered by Google program did for us.” 

To learn more about Bumbershoots Solutions Inc. you can visit their website here. If you enjoyed learning about their experience with the ShopHERE powered by Google program, and are interested in signing up click here.