Grants, Tools, Resources & Events

An initiative designed to support the women of our community and their families, in unique and meaningful ways by exploring topics specific to women that impact their work-life and cross-over into their home-life. Intended to be mindful of intentionally creating a space that supports young women as they plan their careers and make life decisions and support all women as they start, maintain, grow, and transition their careers and businesses. Which can come with inherent challenges including: managing personal health, life circumstances and other responsibilities that creating barriers which can negitively impact not only a women’s success but also their future well-being, their families’ stability and our communities’ growth. Therefore, Empowering Women is about building women up so they can continue to support us all to rise in incredible ways that ensure a prosperous future outlook.

We will dive into topics of health and balance and explore and share stories from Women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) and open space for local women in business to discuss, share, collaborate and celebrate.

We are pleased to celebrate International Women’s Day with the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Harvest Eatery.

The Town of Shaunavon Economic Development Committee in partnership with the Shaunavon and District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce FOUNDATIONS: a new workforce-focused program designed to support community members as they enter, transition within, or re-engage with, the workforce!

FOUNDATIONS is built around the goal of strengthening both individuals and local businesses by creating accessible opportunities to develop skills, build knowledge, and improve access to employment resources. The program is intended to meet people where they are, while also helping businesses address workforce needs and employment gaps.

The FOUNDATIONS programming includes: resume writing, interviewing, financial planning and seeking and positioning for opportunites.

Event Details
Workshop: Interviewing Skills Workshop Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm
Location: The Grand Coteau – Community Room, 440 Centre Street, Shaunavon, SK Cost: Free of charge, thanks to the generous support of partners and sponsors, however advance registration is required. Registration link: Register Here

Thank you!

For more information, please contact economicdevelopment@shaunavon.com.

The Town of Shaunavon’s Economic Development & Innovation Committee (EDIC), is excited to announce that we will be partnering with the Shaunavon & District, Chamber of Commerce, and we are proud to present EVOLVE, a new invitation to an initiative designed to engage community members and businesses in meaningful opportunities that benefit the whole community.

EVOLVE is rooted in the belief that personal interests, talents, and professional skills already exist within our community. By creating intentional opportunities to connect, share knowledge, collaborate and innovate, EVOLVE aims to strengthen Shaunavon’s business environment while encouraging individual growth and community participation.

This EVOLVE event will be presenting Scott Cruickshank, with 22 years’ experience as a Dispute Resolution Consultant and mediator currently with the Saskatchewan Government, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General department. Thursday, March 26, 2026 @ 6:00pm

To explore the development of strategies to assist in reaching agreement or understanding, in our communications with others. We invite community members and businesses to mark their calendars and register today. Join us and become a vital part of what makes Shaunavon Thrive!

Event Details Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: Doors Open at 5:30 pm, Presentation begins at 6:30 pm Location: Elk’s Hall 501 - 3rd Avenue East, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan Registration: Free, thanks to the generous support of partners and sponsors, however advance registration is required. Registration Link: Register Here

Thank you!

For more information, please contact economicdevelopment@shaunavon.com.

REQUEST FOR CATERING PROPOSALS

• Local caterers are invited to submit proposals for the event supper (buffet-style, 60–80 guests).
• Proposals must include menu options and pricing and meet dietary requirements outlined in the RFP. Submit catering proposals by March 12: https://forms.gle/awWkHV2PKrE4JiSc7

Not all things are within our control, however, that does not mean we are powerless. Rather it means we have the opportunity to think differently to find solutions that meet our needs outside of the current models.

The intent of this conversation being to have a respectful and open conversation to look at possible opportunites to support our community in growing in ways that meet our communities needs.

So please join us for this conversation.

We look forward to providing this opportunity for individuals, businesses, organizations and community groups in the region an opportunity to showcase their incredible richness of skill, talent, compassion, intellect, commerce and investment to share them with each other allowing everyone the opportunity to thrive.

It is all about Employment, Education, Wellness, Tourism, Investment, Community and Connection.

Learn More Here or by clicking into the Opportunities Showcase page.

Register today! Deadline to register a spot is day end Monday, March 30, 2026.

Why Support Local?

Small businesses make life better. They prepare our morning coffee, repair our cars, give our children their first jobs, sponsor our sports teams, support our fundraisers, and so much more; they’re always there for us when we need them.

Now it’s our turn to be there for them. Supporting small has a BIG impact on the local economy. From funding local literacy programs to sponsoring community gardens, donating to food security initiatives and supporting extracurricular activities, when local businesses thrive, they channel their success back into their communities. -Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Did you know? Small- and medium-sized businesses account for 99% of all Canadian businesses and employ 64% of Canada’s private sector workforce. Local businesses are the backbone of this country. -Stats Canada

SHAUNAVON!

SASK Made

SK Open Farm Days

“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” -Anna Lappe

SHOP LOCAL!

“Exploration is the engine that drives innovation. Innovation drives economic growth.” -Edith Widder

Building Opportunity by Sparking Innovation in Shaunavon

For Creatives

“We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us.” -Marshall McLuhan

Level Up Your Business with Digital Tools

Affordable & Canadian Made

Free Options

Grant Writing Workshop

Start-up Business Plan

Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan

Enabling Accessibility

Capital Gains Tax Credit - Farm & Small Business

Technology Start-up Incentive

Small Business & Not-for-Profit Loan

Scaling up your Business

Circular Economic Business

Affordable Housing Projects

Regional Tariff Response Initiative *For small-mid size businesses, Loans available for Large businesses

Tourism Development Program

Agtech Growth Fund

Product Development Program (PDP)

Exceptional Opportunities Fund

Infrastructure Operations Fund

Indigenous Entrepreneurship Coming January 1, 2026

Cannot find a grant your hoping for? Please reach out and we will help support you by watching for out for grants that can support your goals, please message economicdevelopment@shaunavon.com.

“My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.” -Steve Jobs

Sharing our resources can save us all time.

Community Futures: Loans, Advice, Programs & Training

How to Cut Costs in Your Business

Team up on a Start Up! Co-operatives First Start-Up Pitch Contest

Starting a Business - Saskatchewan

Starting a Business - Canada

Saskatchewan Small Business Profile

Shop Local Manufacturers & Suppliers

Have your Online Presence Stand-Out Search Engine Optimization

Tourism Excellence Training On Sale Now

Know Your Business: Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs

Talk Ask Listen The Do More Agriculture Foundation.

About:

Talk Ask Listen is an interactive mental health literacy workshop developed by The Do More Ag Foundation. It is designed to foster and support people across agricultural communities, from producers right through industry and community, to increase mental health knowledge, become comfortable with mental health conversations, and learn how to take action.

Talk Ask Listen helps participants to build skillsets and knowledge; it is not therapy. Our workshops help communities, business and industry, and farms cultivate a culture of well-being. Talk Ask Listen has been delivered to over 2,500 participants since the program’s inception.

Facilitators include mental health professionals and those with lived mental health and agricultural experience. This workshop will be presented virtually.

Overview:

TALK: Mental health statistics and factors unique to the agriculture industry; the impact of tradition, stigma, and shame; how community is key to mental health journeys; and how to open the conversation by talking about mental health.

ASK: How to prepare and have conversations about mental health; how to activate your curiosity, be courageous, overcome bias, and be present.

LISTEN: How to actively listen to yourself and others; how peers and communities can encourage mental health conversations and cultivate a culture of well-being.

Check out their new podcast!

“Great minds discuss ideas…” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Empowering Women: In Business & In Life - International Women’s Day *with Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan. Thursday, March 12, 2026 @ 6:00pm, watch for registration details.

Foundations: Interviewing Skills Workshop Wednesday, March 18, 2026 @ 4:00 pm, watch for registration details.

Evolve - Making Difficult Conversations Effective *with Scott Cruickshank of the Government of Saskatchewan, Dispute Resolution Office and Shaunavon & District Chamber of Commerce Thursday, March 26, 2026, watch for registration details.

For more information on this topic see: Negotiation Conflict Resolution Mediation Collaboration Building Bridges

Pathways to Opportunity - Healthcare and Wellness Tuesday, March 31, 2026, watch for details. Support the direction of growth we make in community by being a part of the conversation.

Opportunities Showcase
Thursday, April 16, 2026, watch for registration details.

ALSO COMING 2026!

Evolve - Cross-Cultural Communication

For more information on this topic see: Global Teamwork

“The key factor that will determine your financial future is not the economy; the key factor is your philosophy.” -Jim Rohn

The Do More Agriculture Foundation

Visitor Centre Attendant Position - Open for Application with the SW Sask Tourism & Investment Attraction Hub, Apply Today

Let Your Voice be Heard

Have a Memorable Visitor Experience Idea?

Expand your Businesses Reach

Wellness - Open Minds

“Economics is everywhere, and understanding economics can help you make better decisions and lead a happier life.” -Tyler Cowen

StatsCan - Economic & Social Reports - 2025

Invest in Canada Report - 2024

Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance Report - 2024

The top five skilled trades in demand in Saskatchewan are:

• Carpenter
• Construction Electrician
• Hairstylist
• Plumber
• Sheet Metal Workers

** Sources: The Canadian Apprenticeship Forums’ (CAF) 5-year projections presented in the 2024 report Apprentice Demand in Red Seal Trades: A 2024 National Labour Market Information Report ESDC’s Employment Outlooks data The 2024 Registered Apprenticeship Information System (RAIS)**

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” -Edmund Burke

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” -Benjamin Franklin

Sask Government Job Training & Financial Support Programs

Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Training: Funding Support

Student Aid and Education Planning

Life Long Learning Plan

Planning for your First Home

“It’s simple arithmetic: your income can grow only to the extent you do.” -T. Harv Eker

Economics for Kids

Needs & Wants

Growing your Savings

Financial Literacy Games

Teaching your Children Financial Literacy