Entrepreneurship is one of the keys to job creation in Saskatchewan. Entrepreneurs, working alone or in co-operatives, create the small businesses that provide most of the jobs in the province. The 2024 Small Business Profile report shows that:
- Small businesses (those with fewer than 50 employees) account for 98.8% of the over 147,000 businesses operating in Saskatchewan.
- Small businesses are the primary source of employment in the province, employing over 30% of the province's workforce in 2023.
- In 2023, small businesses paid nearly $7.6 billion in wages and salaries, about 25% of the province's total payroll.
Getting Started
The Saskatchewan Corporate Registry provides services including: incorporating legal entities; registering sole proprietorships or partnerships; maintaining a registry of names; and enforcing registration and compliance requirements.
SK Startup Institute provides programs and services to assist and guide Saskatchewan entrepreneurs through startup and management of their businesses.
BizPaL (Business Permits and Licences) is an online service that helps you find the permits and licences you may need to start or operate your business.
Programs and services are also available for First Nations, Métis and northern businesses in Saskatchewan.
Canada Business Network provides information on the process for starting a business, customizable by province and type of business. Canada Business Network promotes entrepreneurship and innovation and assists through a network of service centres across Canada. There is a centre in each province and territory working with partners in their region to offer services to entrepreneurs.
Community Futures Saskatchewan provides loans, advice and support to entrepreneurs in rural and northern Saskatchewan. Assistance is also provided for First Nation, Métis, Inuit and non-Status individuals.