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Source change captured:
Business Improvement Grant
Funding for creative business growth and efficiency
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
February 3, 2027
Opened April 22, 2026
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
Who can apply
Creative sector businesses and organizations supported by Creative Saskatchewan
See full eligibility
Overview
This program provides funding of up to 50% of approved project costs, to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant per fiscal year. It supports professional development, workforce capacity, and technology infrastructure updates for creative businesses in Saskatchewan.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop team skills
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Professional development activities to improve business skills
- Hiring staff or interns to support growth initiatives
- Technology infrastructure upgrades for business efficiencies
Documents Needed
- Completed budget template
- Project financing structure
- Travel itinerary, if travel is included
- Budget support documents for items over $500
- Required application form in the online grant system
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Business Improvement grant guidance updated
The Business Improvement grant guidance was revised with new application tips, added eligibility and ineligible-expense language, and refreshed links to the program and general guidelines.
The Business Improvement Grant Guidelines and General Program Guidelines were updated with new application instructions, including mandatory template/upload language, a clearer notice that incomplete applications are ineligible, and expanded guidance on eligible and ineligible project expenses. The Business Improvement Grant page also replaced the previous application-tips section with an assessor-oriented section and now shows updated deadlines for sector streams, including April 22, 2026 opening dates and deadlines of June 10, 2026 for Book Publishing, February 3, 2027 for Craft & Visual Arts, November 18, 2026 for Digital Game Development, and September 23, 2026 for Music.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Creative sector businesses and organizations supported by Creative Saskatchewan
- Individuals active in a supported creative industry
- Corporations, collectives, non-profits, and groups in the creative sector
Who is not eligible
- Political organizations or parties
- Religious organizations
- Organizations that discriminate or advocate for political or religious beliefs
- Projects already funded by SK Arts or SaskCulture
- Projects focused on technical skill development only
Eligible expenses
- Workshops, conferences, seminars, and training for business skills
- Business mentorships, work teams, and internships
- Wages for Saskatchewan staff or interns hired for new initiatives
- Hardware, software, and related training for technology upgrades
- Contracted services and administration costs within program limits
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Start-up costs
- Core operations and capital expenditures such as rent, real estate, furniture, renovations, or maintenance
- Production expenses for creative content or products for sale
- Expenses already funded by another Creative Saskatchewan grant
- GST and HST
Eligible geographic areas
- Saskatchewan
Selection criteria
- A strong case showing how the activity will help the business grow.
- A clear project definition, including audience, timeline, and team.
- Strategy, outcomes, and realism, with measurable goals and actionable steps.
- Evidence-based planning and a clear, logical budget supported by data, audience insights, past results, comparisons, or vendor quotes.
- A clear, distinctive application that explains what makes the work unique and has been reviewed before submission.
How to apply
- First-time GMS users must create a profile.
- If applying as an individual, you may create your GMS profile at any time, even before the grant opens.
- If applying as a business, email gms@creativesask.ca so an account can be created for you.
- Read all instructions within the application and use Creative Saskatchewan’s own templates and required information fields.
- Apply through the Grant Management System.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed by Creative Saskatchewan staff for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible applications are then assessed against the program criteria.
- Applicants receive a decision by email, and results are also available in the Grant Management System.
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Commitment with the funding terms and conditions.
- The grant is paid after the agreement is signed and any conditions are met.
Additional information
- GMS is not designed for use with mobile devices; use a desktop or laptop computer.
- Your GMS profile will remain active for all future applications.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Improvement Grant Program
What is the Business Improvement Grant?
This program provides funding of up to 50% of approved project costs, to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant per fiscal year. It supports professional development, workforce capacity, and technology infrastructure updates for creative businesses in Saskatchewan.
How much funding can be received?
Business Improvement Grant Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is February 3, 2027. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Business Improvement Grant program?
To be eligible for the Business Improvement Grant program, you must:
Must meet Creative Saskatchewan general eligibility
Project must support business growth
Project must fit program focus areas
What expenses are eligible under Business Improvement Grant?
Workshops, conferences, seminars, and training for business skills
Business mentorships, work teams, and internships
Wages for Saskatchewan staff or interns hired for new initiatives
Hardware, software, and related training for technology upgrades
Contracted services and administration costs within program limits
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Improvement Grant?
You can contact Creative Saskatchewan by email at gms@creativesask.ca or by phone at 306-798-9800.
Where is the Business Improvement Grant available?
The Business Improvement Grant program is available the province of Saskatchewan.