Grants, Tools, Resources & Events

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 initiative designed to engage community members and businesses in meaningful opportunities that benefit the whole community.

Evolve is an initiative created to provide personal and professional development opportunities to the residents of our community.  By creating an intentional space to connect, share knowledge, collaborate and innovate, EVOLVE aims to strengthen Shaunavon’s business environment while encouraging growth and community participation.

Join us - New date is Tuesday, June 9 @ 4pm for Introduction to AI with guest speaker, Gerald Wilger, Information Technology professional for 30 years, to share his insights on Artificial Intelligence, what it is and what it isn’t, how to use it, the possibilities and where to use caution.
At the Canalta Hotel, 975 - 1st Street West, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. No entry free required. Please register today.

A Moment of Reflection: We have been so very fortunate to have had some excellent guest speakers to share their insight and wisdom with us…

Brad Mahon of Great Plains College spoke to Leadership is Personal which showed us that as a leader you set the culture through your words, actions and what you celebrate. True leadership stems from self-awareness, emotional intelligence and clearly defined values. Modelling values builds community. Leaders listen to understand and communication drives motivation. Presence and showing up matter and a healthy culture radiates outwards.

Gordon More of the Southeast Tech Hub shared about how rural Canada has been leading the way in innovation reminding us that innovation is more then just technology it is thinking and doing things differently to be more efficient, effective and productive. Sharing technical innovations with the community can grow understanding, mitigate fears and inspiring more innovation. Talent is hidden due lack opportunity or poor communication about existing opportunities. Supporting young people to explore and express their interests and enlightening them to sustainable opportunities to create and build their future within the communities they grew up in. Small rural communities can do great things, by develop resilient, creative and innovative world leaders.

Scott Cruickshank of the Saskatchewan Government Ministry of Justice and Attorney General conflict follows a pattern of escalation, higher escalated conflict effects the brains ability to reason and think rationally, truly understanding each others motivations and needs can positively impact our being able to resolve difficult matters, effective conversations can be learned: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Collaboration, and Building Bridges.

Join us for our upcoming events and become a vital part of what makes Shaunavon Thrive!

Upcoming Event Details Date: Returning in May, stay tuned for more information Time: Location: Registration: Registration Link:

Thank you!

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

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 opportunities.

Event Details
Workshop: Financial Skill Building Workshop Date: Wednesday, May 20, 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.

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 being to have a respectful and open conversation to look at possible opportunities to support our community in growing in ways that meet our communities needs.

Mission: To have a respectful and open conversation to look at possible opportunities to support our community in growing in ways that meet our communities needs.

Goal: To identify signals and brainstorm ideas to create opportunities through business, programming and initiatives to support the health and wellness of the people of our community.

Asking ourselves what CAN we do together, so that our community will say:

• My voice matters here
• I am supported here
• I can grow here
• I belong here
• I can see a future here

So please join us our future conversations.

Our last conversation on Health & Wellness can be recapped as:

Improving communication, there are so many available services that the general population, native and new, simply do not know exist or how to connect with, so by centralizing our communities communications on the Town of Shaunavon website we can support providing a trusted source of information for both the user and provider to make connections that matter to the health and well-being of our community. This will require improving information systems with providers to open lines of communication to meet our communities needs. Please check out the upcoming presentation by the Saskatchewan Health Authority at the Opportunities Showcase to learn more about what is happening in our public healthcare system.

Encouraging more multi-generational activities, thereby improving the mental health and well-being of our community, particularly the vulnerable populations. Thereby, improving skill and social development of our youth and improving social engagement and sense of value for our seniors. Bringing our community closer together and making it more resilient to the impacts of change.

Supporting succession planning, providing opportunities for youth to better understand the various employment opportunities available within the community and the pathways required to take on these opportunities, through mentorship and apprenticeship. Supporting youth retention in the region, providing financially viable living for young people with promising careers, enabling mature adults the opportunity to step back and enjoy a less stressful lifestyle.

Finding creative ways to make space for new wellness initiative or to improve existing ones, for instance seniors fitness is held in the Veren Wickenheiser Centre on concrete flooring, which creates higher impact on joints which can be more damaging, thus finding a space with flooring more conducive to exercise with the space to meet the classes needs would improve the outcome for those who participate; a possible alternative location has been identified and will be explored for viability and access.

Preventative approaches, providing educational opportunities to support health and wellness of community members to build creating lesser impact on an already stressed healthcare system, providing for greater longevity and physical and mental ability. Developing local whole food networks to sustainably provide healthy food options with our community which can be accessed year-round.

Supporting educational opportunities, enhancing communication and awareness.

Support groups, sharing information and connecting people to those opportunties.

Through the Town of Shaunavon, Recreation & Wellness and Economic Development & Innovation we will strive to close these identified gaps and create more opportunities to enhance the quality of life of our residents, so we all can LIVE & THRIVE. If you have additional feedback or ideas to add to this conversation please share them at innovation@shaunavon.com.

“Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” - Sun Tzu

The Opportunities Showcase is rooted in the belief that personal interests, talents and professional skills already exist within our community, in unique, inspiring and incredible ways and we want to provide a combined space to celebrate those things. 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.

Everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

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

Register a table today! Deadline to register a spot is day end Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.” -Steve Jobs

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 negatively 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 at the Harvest Eatery. Hosted by Janelle Lansdall of Flowing Well Financial.

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!

Open Your Gates! Saskatchewan Open Farm Days is back for 2026, and we want YOU to lead the conversation.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the heart of your operation, build direct-to-consumer sales, and bridge the gap between field and fork.

The Details:

Host Registration Deadline: April 1, 2026. Host Benefits: Get on the event page, access free marketing toolkits, Training and event planning tools, and receive event insurance and more Sign up today at skopenfarmdays.ca.

Have burning questions about Saskatchewan Open Farm Days? On March 27 join us for Open Farm Days 101, a 30-minute session led by our Coordinator, Ashley Stone. We’re giving you the full roadmap to join the event and welcome visitors to your location on August 8 & 9, 2026:

REGISTER HERE

Duration: 45 Minutes March 27 @ 10am

“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

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.

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.

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! Hay are we okay?

Special thanks to Wilbur Sargunaraj for providing an engaging evening of sharing through story and song on the topic of Cultural Intelligence and to the Grand Coteau who provided a delicious array of global appetizers.

Developing Cultural intelligence helps us to move beyond tolerance and towards each other. It encourages us to break away from the “US vs. THEM” mindset that often divides societies. It enables us to stop being scared of differences, as we become more open-minded and interested in learning from new encounters. To become Culturally intelligent people successfully interacting across cultural divides and bringing unity by recognizing the value of each person and entering into meaningful relationships.

Learn More

“Great minds discuss ideas…” -Eleanor Roosevelt

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

Invest in Sasaktchewan

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

Saskatchewan Budget - 2026

Canadian Budget - 2025-26

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