Small business funding in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's main provincial program is SaskPower's Commercial Energy Optimization Program (performance-based incentives up to $200,000 combined per project; pre-applications for the 2026 round closed July 31, 2026). Saskatchewan businesses can also use federal programs: CanExport export funding and CSBFP loans.
Local funding options
The main provincial program is SaskPower's Commercial Energy Optimization Program: it pays $0.13/kWh saved on non-lighting measures, $0.06/kWh on lighting and $15/GJ on natural gas, up to $100,000 per fuel type ($200,000 combined per project). Pre-applications for the 2026 round closed July 31, 2026, so check SaskPower's official page for the next intake before you plan an energy project.
Beyond the utility program, Saskatchewan businesses can also use federal programs available across Canada: CanExport SMEs for export-market development (the 2026-27 intake was open to August 31, 2026; check the official page for the next one), Canada Small Business Financing Program loans through local lenders, and student wage subsidies through SWPP's year-round delivery partners.
City rules we checked
- SaskPower's Commercial Energy Optimization Program pre-applications for the 2026 round closed July 31, 2026. Incentives run $0.13/kWh (non-lighting), $0.06/kWh (lighting) and $15/GJ (gas), capped at $100,000 per fuel type and $200,000 combined per project. source ↗
- The program is delivered with the Government of Canada and administered by CLEAResult, including free Energy Support Services for participants. source ↗
Notes reflect official sources as checked on September 24, 2026; programs change, so confirm with the administrator.
Programs
Funding programs for Saskatchewan
Every program shows its official source, what kind of help it is, and when we last checked it.
Student Work Placement Program
Up to $5,000
A federal wage subsidy for employers who hire post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
Checked
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Up to $1,150,000
This program makes it easier to get a business loan by having the government share the lending risk with your bank or credit union.
Checked
BDC: Business Purchase or Transfer Loan
A BDC loan to help you buy an existing Canadian business. It can fund buying a competitor or supplier, a management or employee buyout, taking over a…
Checked
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Up to $2,000
A federal non-refundable tax credit for employers who hire apprentices in Red Seal trades. It is worth 10% of eligible apprentice wages, up to $2,000…
Checked
Community Futures Network of Canada
Community Futures has 267 non-profit offices across Canada. They provide small business loans, training and local support to entrepreneurs in rural…
Checked
BDC: Purchase Order Financing
Up to 90% of costs
A short-term BDC loan that helps Canadian businesses pay suppliers and production costs so they can fill a confirmed customer order when cash flow is…
Checked
BDC Financing: Certified Green Building Loan
Up to 100% of costs
A BDC loan to buy, build or renovate a business property that you plan to get green certified, for example LEED or Zero Carbon.
Checked
BDC Financing: Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
An online loan of up to $350,000 from BDC, Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use it for inventory, hiring and training, marketing, product…
Checked
BDC Financing: Commercial Real Estate Loan
This BDC commercial real estate loan helps established Canadian businesses acquire, expand, or renovate their premises.
Checked
Funding by need
What funding can pay for in Saskatchewan
Funding for Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration improvements.
Funding for Training
Grants to help you train staff and adopt new digital tools.
Funding for Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
Funding for Automation
Loans and grants to help you automate business workflows and tasks.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Frequently asked questions
What happens now that SaskPower's July 31, 2026 pre-application deadline has passed?
SaskPower's program works on pre-applications: projects had to enter by July 31, 2026, or wait for whatever comes next. If an energy project is on your plan, check SaskPower's official page for the next intake before you start any work. SaskPower and its administrator decide eligibility. We explain the rules and send deadline alerts, and you apply on the official program site.
Also see: all verified funding in Saskatchewan, the full funding list and our guides.