Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program

Overview of the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program program:

The Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program is a province-wide initiative developed by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and funded by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development. Created to strengthen the province’s economic future, this program directly supports emerging entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance and specialized mentorship that can accelerate the growth of new and early-stage businesses. Each year, 57 young entrepreneurs—one from each chamber region—receive a $5,000 grant along with structured support designed to equip them with the tools needed to compete and thrive in Saskatchewan’s business environment. Beyond financial relief, the bursary offers participants access to valuable mentorship from experienced business leaders and professionals. Recipients attend two mandatory mentorship sessions (with five offered in total between October 2025 and May 2026), allowing them to gain insights into best practices, growth strategies, and operational improvements. Participants also join a network of young entrepreneurs across the province, fostering collaboration, community connections, and peer learning. The bursary is intentionally flexible, allowing funds to be used for a variety of eligible business expenses, including branding, marketing, professional services, inventory, product development, technology upgrades, and capacity-building investments. This enables entrepreneurs to direct resources toward the most crucial aspects of their business development. In addition, each recipient must submit a final report one year after receiving the funds, detailing progress, use of funds, and outcomes of mentorship participation. The program is open to Saskatchewan-based for-profit businesses owned by individuals aged 18–35 who have been in business 10 years or less, making it accessible to both startup founders and early-growth entrepreneurs. With annual intakes and ongoing support, the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program serves as a meaningful launchpad for the next generation of Saskatchewan business leaders.

Benefits of the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program program:

• $5,000 grant for business growth expenses.
• Access to relevant business mentorship (minimum 2 required sessions, 5 offered).
• Networking with other young entrepreneurs province-wide.
• Increased visibility through chamber networks.
• Support from Saskatchewans business community.
• Flexible funding categories including branding, equipment, training, product development, and more.

Eligibility criteria of the Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program program:

• Applicants must:
• Be 1835 years old as of July 14, 2025 (born between July 15, 1989 and July 14, 2007).
• Own a for-profit business registered and based in Saskatchewan.
• Have a business in operation 10 years or less (preference to under 5 years).
• Provide proof of age and a valid business number.
• 5 Ensure the business is registered within 3 months to receive funds.
• Past bursary recipients are not eligible.
• Co-owners outside age range are allowed as long as the applicant meets requirements.