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Saskatchewan programs | COVID-19: Funding and financial relief programs for startups and small businesses

Authors:

Brigitte LeBlanc-Lapointe
 
Anthony de Fazekas
 

Canada |  Publication |  June 2020

A detailed table outlining the various programs available in Saskatchewan are listed below. If you would like to discuss your eligibility for any of these programs, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

Innovation Saskatchewan: Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST)

Description Eligibility Application details
  • The Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) connects the Provincial Government to Saskatchewan technology-based companies whose products may improve Government service delivery. Companies who are successful in the program are awarded a contract of up to $10,000 to have their technology piloted by government
  • This program is open to technology companies that meet the following criteria: Saskatchewan based; annual revenue under $500,000; 30 employees or less; technology is ready to be implemented; and company has the capacity to work with Government
     
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Submit your application here
 

Community Futures Saskatchewan: Loan Program

Description Eligibility Application details
  • Flexible, affordable Community Futures loans are specifically designed for new start-ups, expansions, or to buy a business in a rural community. Solutions are tailored to meet the needs of the individual business and decisions are made locally
  • $150,000 maximum to any one entity
  • Fixed interest rate and amortization established at time of application
  • No repayment penalties
  • Application and administration fees will apply (contact your local Community Futures office)
  • To apply for a loan with Community Futures Saskatchewan, click here
 

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) 

Description Eligibility Application details
  • WESK offers loans of up to $150,000 WESK to help women launch and grow sustainable businesses that fuel Saskatchewan’s prosperity. Interest rates are Prime +3%
  • If your business is majority woman-owned and controlled (51%), you may be eligible for a loan
     
  • To apply for a loan with WESK,, click here
 

Creative Saskatchewan

Description Eligibility Application details
  • Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis in light of merit and need 
  • Programs are open and accepting applications on a rolling basis

Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) 

Description Eligibility Application details
  • Provides a one-time grant for small and medium-sized enterprises 
  • Payments are based on 15% of a business’s monthly sales revenue in either April 2019 or February 2020. Businesses may select either of these months to calculate their payment 
  • The maximum payment is $5,000 per business 
  • To be eligible, businesses must have ceased or curtailed operations as a result of the COVID-19 public health order and have fewer than 500 employees 
     
  • To submit an application, click here 
 

Provincial Sales Tax 

Description Eligibility Application details
  • Saskatchewan businesses that are unable to remit their PST due to cashflow concerns will have three-month relief from penalty and interest charges 
  • Businesses that are unable to file their provincial tax return(s) by the due date may submit a request for relief from penalty and interest charges on the return(s) affected 
  • Audit program and compliance activities have been suspended to allow businesses time to focus on the health and safety of their customers and sta , reduce impacts to their business operations, and minimize the spread of the virus through reduced audit travel 
     
  • Businesses that file taxes in Saskatchwan and negatively affected by COVID-19 may be eligible 
     
  • N/A
 

Provincial Utilities

Description Eligibility Application details
  • All Crown utilities will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for those whose ability to make bill payments may be impacted 
  • Utilities customers are eligible 
     
  • N/A
 

Workers’ Compensation Board

Description Eligibility Application details
  • Waiving premium penalties for employers effective April 1 until June 30, 2020 and forgiving interest and penalties for late payments applied in the month of March 
  • Saskatchewan employers may be eligible 
     
  • N/A
 

Food & Agribusiness: Agristability 

Description Eligibility Application details
  • The federal and provincial governments have agreed to increase the 2020 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75% for Saskatchewan producers 
  • Saskatchewan producers may be eligible 
     
  • N/A
 

Self-Isolation Support Program

Description Eligibility Application details
  • This program offers financial assistance for Saskatchewan workers who are in self-isolation to counter the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and who cannot earn all of their work income and who are not eligible for another financial assistance program prior to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 
  • Support of $450 per week, for a maximum of two weeks, or $900 total, will be granted to an eligible Saskatchewan worker 
  • Saskatchewan workers who are in self-isolation to counter the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and who cannot earn all of their work income and who are not eligible for another financial assistance program prior to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may be eligible 
  • Submit your application form here 


Contacts

Anthony de Fazekas
Anthony de Fazekas
Partner, Patent Agent
T: +1 416 216 2452
anthony.defazekas@nortonrosefulbright.com
Vanessa Grant
Vanessa Grant
Partner
T: +1 416 216 4056
vanessa.grant@nortonrosefulbright.com
Mathieu Deschamps
Mathieu Deschamps
Partner, Canadian Co-Head of Mergers and Acquisitions
T: +1 514 847 4344
mathieu.deschamps@nortonrosefulbright.com
Peter Riddell
Peter Riddell
Partner
T: +1 514 847 4536
peter.riddell@nortonrosefulbright.com
Maya Medeiros
Maya Medeiros
Partner
T: +1 416 216 4823
maya.medeiros@nortonrosefulbright.com
Paul Amirault
Paul Amirault
Partner
T: +1 613 780 8601
paul.amirault@nortonrosefulbright.com
Brigitte LeBlanc-Lapointe
Brigitte LeBlanc-Lapointe
Partner
T: +1 613 780 8638
brigitte.leblanc-lapointe@nortonrosefulbright.com
Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams
Partner, Lawyer, Trademark Agent
T: +1 403 267 8383
elizabeth.williams@nortonrosefulbright.com
Pierre Nicol
Pierre Nicol
Senior Partner
T: +1 418 640 5013
pierre.nicol@nortonrosefulbright.com

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