Innovation Saskatchewan is responsible for implementing the province’s innovation priorities and helping grow Saskatchewan’s tech sector. Effective April 2022, this includes operation of the Innovation Place technology parks in Saskatoon and Regina.
The Honourable Minister Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced multiple investments in Prairie tech this week, including a new Prairie-focused Regional Development Agency (RDA).
At the Co.Labs Co.mmunity at Noon event on June 2, Minister Joly discussed the need to create a more Prairie-specific approach to economic development. “I am extremely proud to defend the interests of the Prairies at the Cabinet table and know that more can be done to help entrepreneurs in the Prairies,” said Minister Joly.
The new Prairie-focused RDA will receive $146 million in funding split between 6 million people — a substantial increase due partially to the creation of a new B.C.-focused RDA. This historic investment will help offset the devastation incurred by businesses during the pandemic, providing supportive programs to help small- to medium-businesses build back better.
Minister Joly also ensured that the on-the-ground approach of the new RDA would help connect more businesses to capital, helping increase awareness and access to information and mitigate risks for businesses.
On June 3, Minister Joly announced an over $11.5 million investment in 11 high-growth businesses in Saskatchewan under the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program. Among the recipients are SkillShark Software, SalonSacle and OffStreet, companies in programs at Co.Labs, a tenant at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.
