Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program
The Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program is now accepting applications! This new initiative will provide $5,000 grants and mentorship opportunities to 57 young business owners across Saskatchewan.
Strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy starts with investing in its next generation of business leaders.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program, a province-wide initiative designed to support the development and long-term success of Saskatchewan’s emerging entrepreneurs. Funded by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development, this program will award $5,000 grants to 57 promising young business owners, with the goal of selecting one recipient from each Chamber region across the province.
Whether you’re building momentum or refining an established concept, this bursary provides more than funding, it offers access to mentorship, business networks, and a stronger path to growth. Learn more and apply below.
What to Expect:
- $5,000 in funding for eligible business expenses
- Mentorship opportunities with businesses relevant to you
- Peer networking with other up-and-coming entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan
- Support from a province-wide business community
Who’s Eligible?
The program is open to young entrepreneurs who:
- Are aged 18 to 35
- Operate a for-profit business registered and based in Saskatchewan
- Have been in business for 10 years or less, with preference to those under 5 years
Key Dates
- Applications open: May 21, 2025
- Applications close: July 14, 2025
- Bursary recipients announced: September 30, 2025
Want to be the first to know about program updates? Join our email list to receive all program announcements directly to your inbox.
Applications Now Open
Applications are open May 21 through July 14, 2025. Before applying, be sure to review the eligibility criteria, and browse our FAQ’s below.
Know a young entrepreneur who should apply? Submit their name on our ‘nominations form‘, and we’ll connect with them directly to share program details and how to apply.
What is the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program?
The Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program provides $5,000 grants to 57 eligible young entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan to support business expenses and offer access to mentorship and networking opportunities.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be between the ages of 18 and 35
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Own or operate a for-profit business located and registered in Saskatchewan
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Have a business that has been operating for 10 years or less (preference given to those under 5 years)
What can the $5,000 bursary be used for?
Funds may be used for eligible business expenses that support business growth and development. A full list of eligible expenses can be viewed below or downloaded here.
Business Development
- Market research or business planning services
- Branding or logo design
- Website development or upgrades
- Marketing and advertising campaigns
- Photography or videography for promotional purposes
Operations and Equipment
- Office supplies or technology (e.g., laptop, printer, software subscriptions)
- Business tools or equipment essential to daily operations
- Point-of-sale systems or e-commerce platforms
- Safety or compliance-related upgrades
Product or Service Expansion
- Raw materials or inventory purchases
- Prototyping or product development
- Packaging and labelling costs
Skills, Training, Professional Services
- Professional development courses or certifications
- Business workshops, webinars, or training events
- Consulting services (e.g., business coaching, strategic planning)
Note: Personal expenses, debt repayment, or non-business-related costs are not eligible. All recipients will be required to submit a breakdown of how the funds were used in their final report.
Is mentorship included in the program? What does it look like?
Yes, as part of the bursary requirements, recipients must attend at least two mentorship sessions to be eligible for the final $1,000 of funding. There will be five sessions held between October 2025 and May 2026, two in person and three online. The final payment will be issued upon completion of the required sessions, and submission of the final report. Notice of mentorship dates will be provided to recipients in advance.
Is there a follow-up or reporting requirement after receiving the bursary?
Yes. All bursary recipients are required to submit a final report one year after the bursary is awarded. This report helps us measure the impact of the program and includes updates on your business progress, how the bursary funds were used, and the outcomes of your mentorship experience. The final report will include questions about business growth, key performance milestones, and a brief breakdown of how the $5,000 bursary was/will be spent.
Please note that $1,000 of the bursary is withheld until completion of the final report, approximately 1 year after the bursaries are announced (further details coming soon).
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted through the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce website. The application form will be available starting May 21, 2025 and will close on July 14, 2025.
When will I know if I’ve been selected?
Successful applicants will be announced publicly on September 30, 2025.
How are recipients selected?
Applications are grouped by region and judged locally. A third-party adjudicator will assess applications based on merit and regional distribution, with one recipient selected per chamber region.
What if a region receives no applications?
In regions where no applications are received, bursaries will be reallocated to nearby areas with high applicant volume.
How do I find out which Chamber is in my region?
We encourage you to find the chamber nearest you by visiting our online chamber directory.
What if my region doesn't have a chamber?
If your region does not have a chamber, please identify the chamber nearest you by visiting our chamber directory.
Do I need to be a member of a local Chamber of Commerce to apply?
No, membership is not required. However, applicants must identify their regional Chamber as part of the application. You may view chambers across Saskatchewan here.
Can I apply if I’m a student or working part-time on my business?
Yes, as long as your business is legally registered, operates in Saskatchewan, and meets the other eligibility criteria.
How many people will receive the bursary?
A total of 57 young entrepreneurs, one from each participating Chamber region, will receive funding.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my application?
Please reach out to us at communications@saskchamber.com for any further questions on the program.
Funded by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development