YORKTON — Two young business owners from the Yorkton region have received support through Saskatchewan’s Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program.
The $5,000 bursary not only provides financial assistance but also gives recipients access to mentorship workshops and networking opportunities with other emerging entrepreneurs across the province.
This year’s local recipients are Kurtis Decker, owner of Diamond Asphalt in Yorkton and Kaylee Miller, who operates Insightful Growth Pathways in Langenburg.
Juanita Polegi, executive director of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, said the provincial program plays an important role in helping small businesses build strong foundations.
“The strength of our business community is dependent on entrepreneurs,” Polegi said. “Providing assistance to the young entrepreneurs in our communities will ensure both a thriving business community into the future and a thriving community at large, as well.”
The bursary program is a province-wide initiative that supports new and growing businesses. Funding from the Ministry of Trade and Export Development enabled the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to award 57 $5,000 bursaries.
Eligible business owners are between 18 and 35 years old, operate a for-profit business based in Saskatchewan, and have been in business for fewer than 10 years.
More than 340 applications were submitted, with 57 recipients chosen from 48 communities.
For Miller, the bursary will help expand applied behaviour analysis services for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
She said the funding will go toward purchasing assessments, tools and sensory materials for use in her clinic.
“The $5,000 will allow my business specifically to purchase some different assessments and tools and sensory materials that I’ll be able to use in our clinic to work directly with the kiddos and the families that we’re supporting,” Miller said. “There’s such a need in our community, and so many families are on waitlists. Early intervention is when it’s most impactful, so this allows me to reach more families and show them the services I offer.”
Decker said the recognition is meaningful for his construction business as it continues to grow.
“It’s an honour to be chosen as one of the bursary recipients,” Decker said. “For a small construction company, there’s always the need to grow, whether it’s equipment or staffing, but there’s extra emphasis on safety measures. We’re implementing more all the time, and this helps with that ongoing process.”
He added that some of the funds will support marketing efforts to help clients across the province learn about the services his company offers.
The Yorkton chamber says the program highlights the importance of investing in young business owners who contribute to Saskatchewan’s economic future.
