57 Business Owners From 48 Local Communities to Receive a $5,000 Bursary
Today, Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding, along with Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Prabha Ramaswamy, announced recipients for the 2026 Saskatchewan’s Young Entrepreneur Bursary.
“Young entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating jobs and investing in Saskatchewan communities,” Kaeding said. “This bursary gives them the support they need to take the next step, whether that means buying new equipment, expanding their services or hiring their first employee. Small businesses are the backbone of our province and essential for a strong and steady economy.”
This year, the program received 321 applications from over 70 communities.
“The strength of this program is its reach,” Ramaswamy said. “Young entrepreneurs need the right support at the right time, wherever they are building their businesses. Through our network of local chambers, the program recognizes entrepreneurs in communities of every size across Saskatchewan. The Chamber thanks the province for its partnership, and we look forward to following the progress of this year’s recipients.”
The Government of Saskatchewan launched the program in 2025, providing nearly $1 million in funding over three years. The bursary is administered by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, who works with its regional counterparts to ensure that communities from every corner of the province are represented.
“Receiving this bursary is an incredible honour and an exciting step forward for H.E.R. Softball Hub,” Owner Morgan Walter said. “This support will allow us to continue investing in our programs, resources and athlete development opportunities, while expanding our ability to reach and support female athletes across Saskatchewan. Our vision has always been to create an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the field.”
Bursary recipients also benefit from mentorship opportunities within their local business community to help guide them on their entrepreneurial journey.
“As a small business owner, having this kind of support means so much and will make a big difference as we continue growing Grace & Gather,” Owner Kody Wolf said. “The funding will help us make improvements to our historic downtown building, continue growing our retail business and create more opportunities to bring people and businesses together through The Gathering Space. I am excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special for our community here in Moosomin.”
Saskatchewan’s small business sector is among the strongest in Canada and most young entrepreneurs fall within this sector. In 2025, small businesses employed about 30 per cent of the provincial workforce and provided over $8.3 billion in wages and salaries. With 124 small businesses for every 1,000 people, the province has the second highest per capita rate in the country.
See below for a full list of this year’s bursary recipients. For more information on the program, visit: saskchamber.com.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-526-6302
Email: media.ted@gov.sk.ca
Josie Fries
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-781-3125
Email: jfries@saskchamber.com
