Saskatchewan Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply
Interested in funding your business in Saskatchewan without taking on debt? This article outlines the types of business grants available in Saskatchewan, who offers them, how they can be used, and what it takes to qualify.
Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, this guide will help you access the funding support you need.
✅ What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is a non-repayable form of funding offered by governments, non-profits, or economic development organizations. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, but they typically come with specific eligibility criteria and conditions. Grants in Saskatchewan are often used to support innovation, job creation, export growth, and rural economic development.
✅ Types of Business Grants in Saskatchewan
Grants in Saskatchewan are often categorized by their purpose, target group, or geographic focus. Here are four common types you’ll find in the province:
◾ Activity Grants
These grants support defined business activities such as product development, digital transformation, employee training, or environmental upgrades.
◾ Audience Grants
Some grants are designed for specific groups, including Indigenous entrepreneurs, women, newcomers, youth, and persons with disabilities, to promote inclusive entrepreneurship.
◾ Industry Grants
Saskatchewan prioritizes sectors such as agriculture, agri-food processing, mining, manufacturing, energy, and technology. Grants may support innovation, equipment upgrades, and export readiness in these key industries.
◾ Regional Grants
Many funding programs focus on rural or northern communities to encourage local job creation and diversification outside major urban centres like Saskatoon and Regina.
✅ What Can a Business Grant be Used for in Saskatchewan?
Depending on the program, business grants in Saskatchewan can be used for:
- Hiring and training new employees
- Developing or commercializing new products
- Upgrading equipment or adopting new technologies
- Improving energy efficiency or environmental impact
- Expanding into new domestic or international markets
- Enhancing food safety or processing capacity in agri-food businesses
Some grants may require cost-sharing, meaning the business must contribute a percentage of the project cost.
✅ How to Qualify for a Business Grant in Saskatchewan
Grant eligibility varies by program, but most Saskatchewan business grants require that you:
- Operate or plan to operate a registered business in Saskatchewan
- Meet specific criteria related to business size, sector, or ownership
- Align with the goals of the grant program (e.g. innovation, hiring, export growth)
- Submit a clear proposal, business plan, or cost estimate as part of the application
Always review application deadlines and documentation requirements carefully, as many grants are competitive or time-sensitive.
✅ Alternatives to Business Grants in Saskatchewan
If a grant doesn’t fit your needs or your business doesn’t qualify, there are several other funding options available in Saskatchewan:
◾ Subsidies
Programs that help offset the cost of hiring or training staff — especially youth, students, or employees from underrepresented groups.
◾ Government Loans
Flexible and low-interest loans provided through provincial or federal programs, ideal for business expansion, equipment purchases, or working capital.
◾ Tax Credits
Tax incentives such as the Saskatchewan Manufacturing and Processing Exporter Tax Incentive or federal programs like SR&ED can help reduce your tax liability based on eligible activities.
◾ Equity Investment Programs
Startups and high-growth businesses may access capital through local investor networks, provincial innovation hubs, or national accelerator programs operating in Saskatchewan.
✅ Saskatchewan Business Grants: Current Grants Available
The minimum grant available is $500; the maximum is $1,000, with only one project and one application considered from a given applicant.
Grant
Description:
The WintercityYXE Micro-Grant Program supports outdoor initiatives that make Saskatoon a great place to live in the wintertime.
Non-profit organizations, ad hoc groups, businesses, or for-profit organizations in Saskatoon.
A maximum of $15,000 or 50% of the total eligible expenses (whichever is the lesser); maximum of two Tour Support grants per fiscal year
Grant
Description:
Around the province, across the country or overseas, this grant supports commercially viable touring opportunities for eligible Saskatchewan musicians and bands touring in Canada and abroad
Maximum of 50% of eligible expenses up to $10,000 per project (Single/EP) or up to $15,000 per project (Full Length LP), whichever is the lesser
Grant
Description:
The Sound Recording Grant supports the production of commercially viable sound recordings for commercial release.
$5,000 or 50% of the approved budget, whichever is the lesser, per Showcase or Sell Travel application; a Slate of events/markets to an overall maximum of $15,000 or 50% of the approved budget, whichever is the lesser (individual events still capped at $5,000 each); 60% paid on signing the letter of acceptance, the remaining 40% after the approved final report
Grant
Description:
This grant helps cover the costs of travel expenses to specific market opportunities.
This grant provides support to individuals and businesses to attend markets, industry showcases and pitch events.
50% of eligible costs above the first $500, up to a maximum grant payment of $500
Grant
Description:
The program supports solar or wind-powered pumps for pumping in remote areas, such as remote wells, dug-outs and streams. These pumps can be used where power lines can’t be put.
Spinning Capacity Reserve: fixed payment $77,000 ($/MW-year); Planned Operating Capacity Reserve: fixed payment $22,000 ($/MW-year) plus variable payment $150 ($/MWh curtailed)
Grant
Description:
The Demand Response Program helps lower the demand on our system. It allows us to pay our larger industrial customers to reduce or shift their power use.
All services included in ESS, plus up to $30,000 to hire or retain a dedicated energy champion
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
This service is suggested for large commercial businesses with energy usage around or above 2 GWh annually.
1. It provides participants with all services included in ESS, plus up to $30,000 to hire or retain a dedicated energy champion.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Saskatchewan Technology Fund supports industry-driven technology, innovation and improvement projects that mitigate, sequester or capture greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Non-repayable grants of up to $450,000 per project; the funding request is for no more than 30 per cent of the proposed budget
Grant
Description:
The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) accelerates the commercialization of game-changing innovations in Saskatchewan’s core sectors.
SAIF provides non-repayable grants of up to $450,000 to novel technological solutions that address specific industry challenges and benefit Saskatchewan’s core sectors.
Cost-share of 30 to 90 per cent depending on the BMP, with funding caps per BMP from $10,000 to $200,000 (e.g. Intensive Livestock Management 30 to 70 per cent to $200,000); minimum rebate of $250, minimum claim of $500
Grant, Rebate
Description:
The Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP) provides funding to producers to increase the environmental resiliency of agricultural land. The program helps producers achieve outcomes related to water quality, soil health and biodiversity through the adoption of beneficial management practices.
Up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses, to a maximum program payment of $20,000 CAD per company per fiscal year
Grant
Description:
The Product Development Program provides funding for prototype and product development services to food, beverage and other agri-processing value-added companies. The client will work with the Food Centre to determine which service provider is most appropriate to provide the prototype and product development services. In some situations, the Food Centre may be suited to provide this service. When product or technology development activities fall outside of the Food Centre’s capabilities or capacities, pathfinding services will be provided to identify a more appropriate third-party organization to meet client needs.
The program is designed to:
– Increase value-added revenues;
– Increase value-added processing of Saskatchewan agriculture products;
– Develop new value-added products, prototypes and processes; and
– Expand and grow value-added business.
Non-repayable annual contribution of up to $1,500 (per STEP Premium Membership) to offset the costs of inviting a qualified buyer/partner
Grant
Description:
As a Premium Membership benefit, STEP members who are able to demonstrate new business opportunities by inviting a buyer to Saskatchewan, are eligible to apply for funding through the Premium Member Incoming Buyer Program. The program provides a non-repayable annual contribution of up to $1,500 (per STEP Premium Membership) to offset the costs of inviting a qualified buyer/partner.
Up to 50% of the project costs to a maximum of $30,000
Grant
Description:
The Opportunity Response (OR) program is designed to fund projects that help create unique spaces or benefits for the public realm. The OR program operates in the Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, and Sutherland BID’s and can fund up to 50% of the project costs to a maximum of $30,000 in partnership with BID’s, businesses, and/or other organizations.
Creative Saskatchewan does not support the remaining 50%+ of the project budget, so it funds up to 50% of the project budget
Grant
Description:
The Showcase or Sell Travel Grant provides support to individuals and businesses to attend markets, industry showcases and pitch events.
Up to $30,000 per startup (lifetime maximum of $30,000 to support pilot projects); the MIST grant must be matched 1:1 by the eligible project partner
Grant
Description:
MIST awards tech startups up to $30,000 to pilot their solution with a Saskatchewan public sector entity, non-profit, community-based organization or municipality.
$500,000
Grant
Description:
The Livestock Facility Emissions Program supports intensive livestock facilities to adopt practices and technologies that will improve environmental performance.The Livestock Facility Emissions Program supports intensive hog or sheep facilities to adopt practices and technologies or complete facility modifications that will improve their environmental performance, including adaption to climate change and reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
$20,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Live Performing Arts Production Grant assists eligible Saskatchewan individuals and companies in the production of a series of performances intended for paying audiences.
The lesser of 67 per cent of eligible costs or $1,675 per irrigable acre developed, to a maximum program payment of $500,000 over the five-year Sustainable CAP program term (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028)
Grant
Description:
The Irrigation Development Program supports infrastructure development to increase irrigation capacity by creating a secure water supply to irrigable land parcels.
$4,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Heritage Conservation Incentive Grant is intended to support the conservation of heritage façades.
Up to $5,000 or 50% of the total development cash budget, whichever is the lesser (Pre-Development); $25,000 or 50% (First Draft); $15,000 or 50% (Final Draft); $40,000 or 75% (Slate Development), per phase
Grant
Description:
The Film and Television Development Grant assists qualified Saskatchewan production companies with undertaking the development of eligible projects and bringing productions to fruition.
Up to 30% of all eligible Saskatchewan expenditures (Saskatchewan Stream) or 25% of all eligible Saskatchewan expenditures up to a maximum of $5,000,000 (Service Production Stream); with bonuses, a maximum of 40% (Saskatchewan Stream) and 35% (Service Production Stream)
Grant
Description:
The Feature Film & Television Production Grant provides financial support to eligible applicants for feature film and television productions that have secured a relevant market trigger or distribution agreement of fair market value. There are two streams within this grant: the Saskatchewan Stream and the Service Production Stream.
$16,000.00
Grant
Description:
The City of Saskatoon encourages the conservation and enhancement of commercial building facades by providing grant funding to property owners and businesses located in established commercial areas to cover a portion of the eligible costs of facade improvement and/or conservation work.
A maximum of $50,000 or 50% of the application’s total cash budget per fiscal year, whichever is the lesser; projects capped at a maximum of $100,000 or 50% of the total cash budget for the entire life of the project, whichever is the lesser
Grant
Description:
The Digital Game Development Grant supports eligible Saskatchewan applicants in the production of innovative and original digital games and eLearning properties with commercial intent.
Eligible projects include apps for smart phones and tablets, console or PC games, and augmented or virtual reality experiences.
Micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to implementing ecommerce
Grant
Description:
As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Digital Main Street, and Economic Development Regina to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses across the country.
Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to implementing ecommerce and supported by a network of e-commerce advisors.
Up to 50% of the project budget (the applicant finances the remaining 50%+ from other sources)
Grant
Description:
The Business Improvement Grant supports projects that focus on professional development, increasing workforce capacity, and improving business efficiencies through technology infrastructure updates which result in growth, market expansion and improved profitability.
Up to a 50% reimbursement to a maximum of $1,000 per eligible business for exterior improvements
Grant
Description:
The Business Building Improvement Grant provides funding to business and property owners to improve retail and building frontages, or to implement security enhancements on the premises.
Up to 50% of total eligible project costs (75% for projects north of the 54th parallel), to a maximum of $50,000
Grant
Description:
The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation currently offers a Built Heritage Grant Program to support conservation of Saskatchewan’s unique heritage.
The Built Heritage Grant Program provides support to municipalities, First Nations, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, private individuals, and corporations for projects that conserve the heritage value of a building or structure in order to ensure its retention over time.
$2,500.00
Grant
Description:
The Building Refresh incentive is intended to support small maintenance and improvement projects.
Up to $150,000 (total financial aid to any business at any time)
Grant
Description:
Beaver River assists small town and rural businesses in the Northwest of Saskatchewan start, expand and grow
The Beaver River Community Futures Corporation was established in 1988, and the Beaver River Business Development Corporation in 1989. In 1994, these two corporations merged into what is now the Beaver River Community Futures Development Corporation (BRCFDC). Today, we serve 46 communities in northwest Saskatchewan, in an area covering 120,000 square kilometres.
Our core funding, investment capital and special funds are provided by the Federal Government through Western Economic Diversification Canada. This support is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Community Futures Development Corporations in Saskatchewan.
Maximum funding for Residencies: $45,000
Grant
Description:
Artists in Communities – Residencies supports community organizations to host a six- to twelve-month artist-in-residence project with a professional artist, working in any art form, that involves significant community engagement components. Participating artists take up residence in a community contribute to its cultural life and the community’s continual engagement in the arts.
Maximum $10,000 for projects with one artist; maximum $20,000 for projects with more than one artist
Grant
Description:
Artists in Communities – Projects allows eligible applicants to engage in the arts through performances, exhibitions, or workshops led by a professional artist(s) or arts professional and presented either as a series or as a single event, and/or to work with an artist in the research and development of an artistic residency.
Up to $1,000 to support eligible expenses, plus an additional amount for artist travel within Saskatchewan if justified
Grant
Description:
Artists in Communities – Development provides small amounts of funding to organizations or professional artists to build relationships with potential partners, develop projects or residencies, and/or research community needs.
Non-repayable grants of up to $450,000 per project; the funding request is for no more than 30 per cent of the proposed budget (industry partners must provide 50+ per cent)
Grant
Description:
The Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) accelerates the commercialization of game-changing innovations in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
AGF provides non-repayable grants of up to $450,000 for the development of novel technological solutions that address specific industry challenges and benefit Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
AGF provides tech startups with non-dilutive funding specifically designed to propel groundbreaking, industry-driven research & development (R&D) projects.
No specific amount specified
Grant
Description:
The Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) supports the growth of the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan. ADF develops solutions to emerging problems that constrain production and value-added processing.
Up to $13,000 per site, per project, for crop-related projects to a maximum of $80,000 per year; up to $20,000 per site, per project, for livestock projects to a maximum of $100,000 per year
Grant
Description:
The ADOPT program provides funding to help producer groups and First Nations communities demonstrate and evaluate new agricultural practices and technologies at the local level. The results of successful trials can then be adopted by agricultural operations in the region.
Rebate of 75 per cent of pre-approved eligible costs to a maximum payment of $50,000, within a $50,000 annual funding limit per applicant (minimum rebate of $250)
Rebate
Description:
The Agriculture Awareness Initiative Program (AAIP) provides support to build awareness and trust in modern agriculture. The program is designed to help individuals and organizations tell Saskatchewan agriculture’s sustainability story.
AAIP is a proposal-based, pre-approval program to fund strategic industry projects that target priority audiences and address key threats to agriculture’s social licence.
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