Stay Connected
The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a Business Response Team to support businesses in the province dealing with the economic challenges resulting from COVID-19.
Innovation Saskatchewan recognizes that the COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted activities in Saskatchewan's tech sector including supply chains, business development and investor participation. Please share with us your current challenges and needs by completing the form below. Your input helps us to better understand and respond to our innovation ecosystem during this time.
Tech Sector Communication Form
Current Opportunities
SaskBuilds COVID-19 Procurement - for Saskatchewan businesses innovators, or suppliers who have a solution that can help fight COVID-19.
Government of Canada Plan to mobilize industry to fight COVID-19
Blog
Tech Startup Opportunities – An Investor’s Perspective - June 1
Tech Sector Supports and Resources – Webinar summary - April 24
Tech in the Physical Distancing Economy - April 9
Information Webinars
Tech Startup Opportunities from and Inverstor's Perspective (May 6, 2020) | Watch | Summary |
Exploring Newly Announced Government Programs to Support Tech (April 24, 2020) | - | Summary |
Resources and Supports for Tech Companies During COVID-19 (March 30, 2020) | Watch | Summary |
Business Support
Innovation Saskatchewan has curated a list of support for tech founders and employees available now or in the near future from municipal, provincial, and federal governments. This list will be continuously updated as new supports and programs are announced.
Up to date as of December 1, 2020
Near-term Assistance | ||||||||
| Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment - Phase 2 | Government of Saskatchewan | A one-time grant to small and medium-sized businesses that have had to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations as a result of COVID-19. This program has recently been renewed. | ||||||
| Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR) | Government of Saskatchewan | A grant to assist small businesses by reimbursing the incremental investments they have made to adapt their business models as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. | ||||||
Government of Saskatchewan | The program is an employer-driven, short term training program that provides eligible employers with financial support to train employees. | |||||||
Government of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan businesses unable to remit their PST due to cashflow concerns will have relief from penalty and interest charges for the next three months. | |||||||
Government of Saskatchewan | Crown utility (ie. SaskTel) will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months. | |||||||
Government of Saskatchewan | Businesses will not have to provide notice or pay in lieu of notice when they lay off staff for a period of 12 weeks or less in a 16-week period. | |||||||
Saskatchewan WCB | WCB is waiving premium penalties for employers effective April 1 until June 30. | |||||||
Government of Canada | Allows businesses to defer GST/HST payments, as well as duties and taxes owed on imports, until June. | |||||||
Canada Revenue Agency | CRA is allowing all businesses to defer payment of any income tax amounts that become owing until after August 31, 2020. | |||||||
| Lower Taxes for Small Businesses | Government of Saskatchewan | Under this initiative, Saskatchewan’s small business corporate income tax rate drops from two per cent to zero effective October 1, 2020. Beginning July 1, 2022, the small business tax rate will move to one per cent. And on July 1, 2023, the small business tax rate will return to two per cent. The amount which small businesses can earn at the small business tax rate will remain at $600,000 | ||||||
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Mid- to Long-term Assistance
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| Business Benefits Finder | Government of Canada | Applying for a government program, but not sure where to start? Whether it’s funding, wage subsidies, loans, tax credits or expert advice for your Business, an Innovation Advisor, can help. Contact Rajeev Chadha for more information. | ||||||
Government of Canada | Covers 75% of employee’s wages for businesses who have suffered a drop in gross revenues. | |||||||
| Regional Relief and Recovery Fund | Western Economic Diversification Canada | Targeted to those that ay require additional help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic but have been unable to access existing support measures. | ||||||
| Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance | Government of Canada and Saskatchewan | Loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June. | ||||||
| Extended Work-Sharing Program | Government of Canada | Provide EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours. | ||||||
Government of Canada | Provides access to eligible businesses to obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million from the loan guarantee or co-lending stream. | |||||||
Government of Canada
| Provide interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits whose revenues have been temporarily reduced. Previous successful applicants of the $40,000 loan are now eligible for an additional $20,000. | |||||||
| COVID-19 Working Capital Loans | BDC | Provide up to $2M with flexible repayment terms (ie. Principal postponement). | ||||||
| Innovation Assistance Program | NRC-IRAP | Assistance provided through IRAP to innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports. | ||||||
| Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) | Government of Canada | Canada businesses, non-profit organizxations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses. | ||||||
We welcome any feedback on any resources or measures we may have missed. We also welcome any suggestions or ideas on programs that the provincial government could offer to support the tech sector during this difficult time. Please contact Kevin Chung (kevin.chung@innovationsask.ca) if you have any questions or suggestions.
