Minister Vandal announces investments in technology and innovation in Saskatchewan

Press Release

From: Prairies Economic Development Canada

Over $6.3 million through PrairiesCan to support businesses in Saskatchewan

August 28, 2024

Saskatchewan’s economy is diverse and growing across multiple sectors. It is built on a strong entrepreneurial culture that fosters Indigenous economic reconciliation and is driven by new technologies that help meet the needs of Canadians and the world. Our government is supporting the success of Saskatchewan’s businesses and communities as they move towards net-zero emissions through a strategy of targeted investments based on local priorities.

Local priorities were identified by local partners, governments, and organizations through an extensive consultation, and are articulated in our Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy.

Today the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of over $6.3 million for nine projects to help Saskatchewan businesses access the tools and resources needed to start up, scale-up, and bring innovative products and services to new markets.

Non-repayable investments in the ecosystems supporting new businesses in Saskatchewan will help start-ups, including Indigenous businesses, navigate the first steps in establishing and growing their business. Repayable investments in high-growth businesses will help them scale-up and expand with new services, products and market reach, aiding in their future success and creating more good jobs. Examples of projects receiving support include:

• Andgo Systems Inc. is receiving over $2 million to scale up operations and sales of their workforce management software platform.
• Indigenous Manufacturing and Contracting Network Inc. is receiving $160,000 to provide training and mentorship opportunities for Indigenous companies in the manufacturing and contracting sectors.
• Saskarc Inc. is receiving over $1 million to purchase automated processing equipment to increase its structural stick steel fabrication capacity.

Quotes

“Our government is investing in business ecosystems and high-growth businesses to ensure that they have the support they need to succeed in Canada and the global market. The result of today’s investments in companies and organizations that support business will help improve productivity, grow and diversify labour markets in Saskatchewan, and build a prosperous green Prairie economy.”
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“The support from PrairiesCan has helped move us into a new era of growth, enabling us to vastly expand our market presence across the U.S. and supercharge our go-to-market teams. With this strategic support, we are poised to rapidly scale our customer base, and continue revolutionizing staffing solutions to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare providers throughout North America.”
–Tom Ross CEO Andgo Systems

“Saskarc Inc. is appreciative of the funding support from PrairiesCan, which enabled Saskarc to invest in automated steel processing equipment at our manufacturing facility in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. This investment allowed Saskarc to quickly scale-up through increasing throughput and competitiveness and has helped Saskarc compete across Canada and the United States in the Infrastructure market.”
–Danielle Armstrong, Director of Marketing and Communications, Saskarc Inc.

“These strategic investments by PrairiesCan are a powerful testament to the potential within Saskatchewan’s regional economic ecosystems. The non-repayable funds under the CEDD and RIE programs will significantly boost economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. We are also encouraged by the support through the BSP program, which empowers businesses to scale up and enhance productivity. The Indigenous Manufacturing and Contracting Network (IMCN) is proud to be part of this transformative journey that will uplift our communities and create lasting impact.”
–Nick Crighton, Executive Director, Indigenous Manufacturing and Contracting Network Inc.

Quick facts

• PrairiesCan is investing over $6.3 million today in Saskatchewan through three different programs to support nine different businesses and organizations.
• Investments announced today under the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program and Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program are non-repayable, and will support regional economic ecosystems, including Indigenous communities.
• Repayable funds announced today support businesses under the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Minister Vandal announces investments in technology and innovation in Saskatchewan

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Green Prairie Economy
• Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) in the Prairie provinces
• Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) in the Prairie provinces

Contacts

Carson Debert
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor
Carson.Debert@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Rhonda Shymko
A/Communications Manager
Prairies Economic Development Canada
rhonda.shymko@prairiescan.gc.ca

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