RUNNYMEDE — A resident of Runnymede has been awarded a bursary of $5,000 by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce in the Saskatchewan Government’s Young Entrepreneur Program.
Michael Barker, who has been operating Barker’s Barbershop in Runnymede for a year, is one of 57 young entrepreneurs from across the province to have been awarded the bursary through funding from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development.
Barker was in Norquay Nov. 25 when he received the cheque from Reagan Foster, president of the Highway 49 East Chamber of Commerce, and a plaque on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan from Clarissa Mydonick, constituency assistant to Sean Wilson, Canora-Pelly MLA.
Originally from Swan River, Man., Barker attended the Canadian School of Barbering in Edmonton until January 2024, when he moved to Runnymede, where he lives with his wife, Brooke and three children, aged five, 10 and 14 years.
Barker, who said he specializes in hot shaves and fades, explained that he is currently in the process of moving his business from Runnymede to 29B-Broadway St. in Yorkton and expects to open the business on Dec. 1.
At his community-focused barbershop in Runnymede, Barker is known for providing high-quality grooming services, including fades, hot shaves and a wide range of haircuts for all styles and hair types.
“As both the owner and a hands-on barber, he takes pride in creating a welcoming space where clients feel valued and leave looking their best,” said a release from the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program. “His goal is to grow the business, offer training opportunities to young barbers, and continue supporting the local community by maintaining a hub for connection, confidence, and culture.”
The $5,000 bursary is a valuable investment in both his personal development and the growth of his barbershop, he said. “I plan to use part of the funding to further my education in advanced barbering techniques and services, which will help me improve the quality and range of services I offer. The remainder would go toward expanding my business by adding more barber chairs and bringing on additional skilled barbers.
“This expansion will increase client capacity, reduce wait times, and allow me to mentor upcoming barbers, strengthening our role as a trusted and supportive space in the community.”
Through funding from the Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Trade and Export Development, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is awarding $5,000 bursaries to 57 young entrepreneurs (aged 18-35 years) across the province, the release said. The program has been confirmed for three years, awarding 57 bursaries each year for a total of 171 young entrepreneurs awarded over the course of the program.
This year's intake was extremely competitive, receiving almost 350 applications, the release said. The bursaries are presented to recipients by each region's local chamber of commerce, if possible, it said. This year, there are 39 local chambers represented amongst the 57 recipients, whose business growth impacts 48 communities across Saskatchewan.
In addition to the bursary, recipients also receive a one-year complimentary Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce membership, the chance to participate in four mentorship workshops created exclusively for them, and admission to two Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Signature events.
The certificate presented to Barker extends “heartfelt congratulations” on his having been recognized as “one of the 57 outstanding business leaders today.
“This distinction is a true testament to your vision, dedication and business-minded spirit,” it says. “Young entrepreneurs such as yourself keep our province vibrant and strong. Through your innovation, leadership and commitment to excellence, you are helping to shape Saskatchewan’s future and inspire others to pursue their own dreams.
“We celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in the years ahead.”
