SASKATOON — Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority CEO Erin says supporting entrepreneurs early is key to growing Saskatchewan's economy.
Lawson spoke Friday during the Government of Canada’s announcement of $910,000 in funding to support small businesses at the Gather Local Market. She said that SREDA’s SK Startup Institute program helps aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the often-complicated steps of starting a business.
The program typically works with entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of building their business, said Lawson.
"We do see all industries and demographics. Our process is we have a one-on-one meeting to understand what stage of their business they’re at, and then we guide them along the journey of entrepreneurship,” said Lawson.
“Whether it's from the idea stage, where we're like evaluating a concept, or if we're moving into setting up their business, registering their business, and then beyond that, like the marketing, sales and all of those different pieces.”
She added that SREDA’s entrepreneurship program with SK Startup Institute serves the entire province, despite being based in Saskatoon, with the primary goal of making it easier for businesses to begin the first steps of their ventures through workshops and meetings with experts in their fields.
In 2025 alone, SK Startup Institute supported 1,373 entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan, helping launch new businesses and create jobs.
Lawson said it was fitting that the announcement was held at Gather Local Market, a space that exemplifies entrepreneurship in action, as it houses many local businesses, including The Sure O’s Co., whose co-owner, Edgar Payen, contributes to the local economy.
Payen, who co-owns The Sure O’s with his wife and they moved to Saskatoon from Mexico several years ago, said starting a business in a new country can be overwhelming without the right guidance. For entrepreneurs like themselves, that support can make a major difference.
“They introduced us to the right people. They helped us build our business plan with real data and real numbers,” said Payen, who added the program helped them in the early stages of launching their company, connecting them with accountants, lawyers and marketing experts.
Despite feeling overwhelmed at first by their decision to leave Mexico and start a new life, the couple has opened two locations since launching their business nearly two years ago, a small dream that they hope to expand even further.
Federal Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger said small businesses remain the foundation of the prairie economy and that supporting entrepreneurs helps communities grow and adapt to changing economic conditions.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the prairie economy. Supporting entrepreneurship isn’t just good policy. It’s how we create jobs and build stronger communities, rural and urban alike. Talent and great ideas aren’t limited to big cities or big companies. They’re just as likely to come from a kitchen table in a small town as they are from an office downtown,” said Belanger.
Ward 10 Councillor Bev Dubois, who spoke on behalf of the city, said the initiative reflects Saskatoon’s entrepreneurial spirit and helps residents turn ideas into viable businesses, adding that the announcement speaks to the heart of the city and its people.
“Sask Startup provides entrepreneurs with the guidance, connections and support they need to create successful new businesses. Sask Startup has a strong record of supporting entrepreneurs, and our province will greatly benefit from this funding,” said Dubois.
