$285,000 awarded to young business owners from 48 communities across the province

REGINA, SK – The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, with funding from the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development, today announced 57 recipients from the second intake of the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program. Each recipient will receive $5,000, for a total of $285,000 awarded to young business owners from 48 communities.

The announcement was made by Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development.

This year, the program received 321 applications from more than 70 communities.

The Chamber launched the program in 2025, supported by nearly $1 million in Government of Saskatchewan funding over three years, with one intake each year through 2027. The Chamber works with its regional counterparts to ensure that communities from every corner of the province are represented.

Bursary recipients also benefit from mentorship opportunities within their local business community to help guide them on their entrepreneurial journey.

Saskatchewan has one of the strongest small business sectors in Canada. According to the Government of Saskatchewan, in 2025, small businesses employed about 30 per cent of the provincial workforce and paid more than $8.3 billion in wages and salaries. With 124 small businesses for every 1,000 people, the province has the second-highest rate of small businesses per capita in the country.

A full list of this year’s bursary recipients can be found below. For more information on the program, visit https://saskchamber.com/initiatives/young-entrepreneur-bursary/.

 

Quotes

“The strength of this program is its reach. 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.”

– Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

“Young entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating jobs, and investing in Saskatchewan communities. 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.”

– Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development, Government of Saskatchewan

“Receiving this bursary is an incredible honour and an exciting step forward for H.E.R. Softball Hub. 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.”

– Morgan Walter, H.E.R. Softball Hub; Year two bursary recipient (Estevan, SK)

“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. 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’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special for our community here in Moosomin.”

– Kody Wolf, Grace and Gather Boutique, Year two bursary recipient (Moosomin, SK)

 

2026 Young Entrepreneur Bursary recipients

Recipients are listed alphabetically by community, based on the business mailing address provided in their application. Each recipient’s nearest local chamber of commerce or board of trade appears in brackets.

1. Air Ronge: Jayme Woodhouse Mckenzie, Pawsitive Attitude Dog Training (La Ronge & District Chamber of Commerce)
2. Beechy: Dylan Watt, HD Creatives (Kyle & District Chamber of Commerce)
3. Biggar: Natasha Taylor, Natasha Dawn Esthetics (Biggar & District Chamber of Commerce)
4. Birch Hills: Cody Demerais, Limitless Gear Clothing Corp (Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce)
5. Briercrest: Jana Ludwar, Monarch Outfitting Ltd. (Carrot River & District Board of Trade)
6. Canora: Lucas Vaughters, Slinger Tire and Rubber Vulcanizing (Hwy 49 East Chamber of Commerce)
7. Carlyle: Nicole Turgeon, Prairie Haven Dog Lodge & Daycare (Stoughton Chamber of Commerce)
8. Denare Beach: Shayna Cossette, Shayna Cossette Media (Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce)
9. Denzil: Evan Volk, EV Fitness and Nutrition (Luseland Chamber of Commerce)
10. Eastend: Lonnie Basso, Trim Shady Yard Service (Eastend and District Chamber of Commerce)
11. Estevan: Jenna Kress, Kindred Care Collective (Estevan Chamber of Commerce)
12. Estevan: Morgan Walter, H.E.R. Softball Hub (Estevan Chamber of Commerce)
13. Handel: Danica Evanisky, Boots and Barbed Wire (Kerrobert & District Chamber of Commerce)
14. Herbert: Franklin Meyers, Forward motion fitness (Herbert & District Chamber of Commerce)
15. Hodgeville: Rae Boehm, 306 Equine Dentistry (Gravelbourg Chamber of Commerce)
16. Hudson Bay: Cassandra Pretzer, Shear Expressions (Hudson Bay Chamber of Commerce)
17. Indian Head: Morganne Cochrane, The Gallery Coffee House (Indian Head & District Chamber of Commerce)
18. Kindersley: Caitlin Geiger, Kindersley Denture Clinic (Kindersley & District Chamber of Commerce)
19. Langenburg: Nicole Recknell, Prairie Sky Sport Therapy (Yorkton Chamber of Commerce)
20. Lloydminster: Jaylene Dumont, awâsisak impressions (Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce)
21. Luseland: Sammantha Gill, Beautifully Pristine (Luseland Chamber of Commerce)
22. Macklin: Kelsey Jamieson, Macklin Dental Hygiene (Macklin Chamber of Commerce)
23. Maple Creek: Katie Gordon, Keystone Ranch Solutions (Maple Creek Chamber of Commerce)
24. Meadow Lake: Tharren Moberly, All Rut Long (Meadow Lake & District Chamber of Commerce)
25. Medsted: Nicolas Anderson, Anderson Electrical (Edam & District Board of Trade)
26. Melfort: Andrew Morrant, Mentally Mighty Beard Care (Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce)
27. Mildred: Megan Wasden, NW 28 Livestock Nutrition (Debden & District Chamber of Commerce)
28. Moose Jaw: Jade Herle, Honey & Co. (Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce)
29. Moose Jaw: Riley Balerud, QYC Landscaping (Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce)
30. Moosomin: Cara Grant, Trends Mercantile (Moosomin Chamber of Commerce)
31. Moosomin: Kody Wolf, Grace and Gather Boutique Ltd. (Moosomin Chamber of Commerce)
32. Muenster: Amie Harrison, Redco Hauling & Towing Ltd. (Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce)
33. Nipawin: Nicole Francis, Torch River Flower Farm (Nipawin & District Chamber of Commerce)
34. North Battleford: Clarissa Scheidl, Birdies Golf Lounge (Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce)
35. North Battleford: Kayla Kuttai Keys, Free Spirit Salon Studio (Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce)
36. Outlook: Hailey Spence, Chaff Marketing co. (Outlook & District Chamber of Commerce)
37. Prince Albert: KC Moostoos, Paskwaw-Mostos Wellness (Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce)
38. Regina: Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne, Impact Pictures Inc. (Regina & District Chamber of Commerce)
39. Regina: Stephen Schwindt, EhOS IT Solutions Inc. (Regina & District Chamber of Commerce)
40. Rockglen: Rieley Beliveau, Canopus Greenhouse (Assiniboia & District Chamber of Commerce)
41. Saskatoon: Ryssa Alarcon, HatHouse Marketing (Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce)
42. Saskatoon: Surbhi Takyar, CraveNest Foods by Surbhi (Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce)
43. Shaunavon: Aurora Bowery, Prairie Roads Market (Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce)
44. Shellbrook: Jaira Kissick, Divine Accounting (Shellbrook & District Chamber of Commerce)
45. Sturgis: Kylee Morniuk, NCCco. Custom Clothing & Boutique (Preeceville & District Chamber of Commerce)
46. Swift Current: Carson Ljunggren, Prestige Detailing Services LTD (Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce)
47. Swift Current: Erin Cassidy, Peggy’s Bake Shop (Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce)
48. Tisdale: Ryann Leader, Hair By Ryann Leader (Tisdale & District Chamber of Commerce)
49. Unity: Bronson Volk, Back Forty Custom Fencing (Unity & District Chamber of Commerce)
50. Wakaw: Melissa Nedjelski, Prairie Lake Chiropractic (Rosthern & District Chamber of Commerce)
51. Warman: Jaylen Stacheruk, S2 Electrical Contracting Limited (Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce)
52. Warman: Reagan Harding, Warden Leather Co (Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce)
53. Watrous: Melissa Galay, Green Acres Greenhouse (Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce)
54. Watson: James Rutko, Reaper Automotive (Watson & District Chamber of Commerce)
55. Weyburn: Galilee Regines, Meok Ja 2D milkteabar (Weyburn Chamber of Commerce)
56. Weyburn: Jo Beach, Cedar & Vine Design Ltd. (Weyburn Chamber of Commerce)
57. Yorkton: Rebecca Daneluk, Skin Lab Aesthetics (Yorkton Chamber of Commerce)

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ABOUT SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is a leading advocate for business in the province, committed to driving economic growth and championing a thriving business community. As the “Voice of Saskatchewan Business,” the Chamber represents the interests of over 10,000 individual businesses, industry associations, and local chambers. More information can be found at saskchamber.com or @SaskChamber on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Media Inquiries

Josie Fries

Vice President, Marketing and Operations

E: jfries@saskchamber.com    |    P: 306-781-3125

 

Program Inquiries

Michaela Stangier

Senior Manager, Programs & Partnerships

E: mstangier@saskchamber.com    |    P: 306-781-8276

 

Backgrounder: Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program

• Funding: The Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development is providing nearly $1 million over three years. The Chamber administers the program.
• Bursaries: 57 bursaries of $5,000 each are awarded every year, with the goal of one recipient in each of the province’s 57 local chamber regions. If a region has no applicants, its bursary is reallocated to a nearby area with strong applications.
• What recipients receive: $5,000 for eligible business expenses, five mentorship sessions (two in person and three online) over the next year, peer networking with entrepreneurs across the province, and a complimentary Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce membership.
• Program term: Each cohort takes part for 12 months. The 2026–27 cohort runs Nov. 1, 2026, to Oct. 31, 2027. A third cohort of 57 recipients will be selected in 2027.
• Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who own a for-profit business registered and based in Saskatchewan and operating for 10 years or less, with preference given to businesses under five years old. Students and part-time operators are eligible, and Chamber membership is not required.
• Selection: Applications are evaluated by an independent third-party accounting firm on business goals, sustainability and scalability, the plan for use of funds, expected outcomes, and potential to contribute to the local economy.
• 2026 intake: 321 applications from 70 communities; 57 recipients from 48 communities; $285,000 awarded.
• 2025 intake: 340 applications from 87 communities; 57 recipients from 48 communities (39 local chamber regions); $285,000 awarded.