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Business Improvement Grant
The Business Improvement Grant supports projects that focus on professional development, increasing workforce capacity, and improving business efficiencies through technology infrastructure updates which result in growth, market expansion and improved profitability.
Examples include:
Professional Development
- Workshops, conferences, seminars or training that improve business skills of yourself and/or your staff.
- Business mentorships, work teams or internships that support industry capacity and job growth in Saskatchewan.
Workforce Capacity
- Hiring staff or interns to pilot new initiatives, new projects, or new business expansion opportunities.
Technology Infrastructure
- Hardware and software that improves business or production efficiencies.
- Training of applicant and/or company staff that accompanies a technology infrastructure purchase.
Deadlines & Processing Time
Book Publishing
Opening date: May 9, 2024
Deadline: July 17, 2024
Craft & Visual Arts
Opening date: May 9, 2024
Deadline: September 4, 2024
Live Performing Arts
Opening date: May 9, 2024
Deadline: November 27, 2024
Film & TV
Based on industry consultation with local producers and SMPIA, it was determined that these funds would provide more benefit to the industry if they were shifted to support Film & Television Development instead. As funding becomes available throughout our fiscal year we may reconsider offering an intake of this grant.
Interactive Digital
Opening date: May 9, 2024
Deadline: January 8, 2025
Music
Opening date: May 9, 2024
Deadline 1: September 18, 2024
Deadline 2: January 15, 2025
All deadlines close at 4:00 PM Saskatchewan time. If a deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend, applications will be accepted until 4:00 PM the following business day.
Application processing time: Applicants can expect to receive results within 10 weeks from the deadline date.
Results will be delivered via e-mail and will be available in GMS
Our Investment
Approved projects will be funded up to 50% of the approved project budget to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant per fiscal year (whichever is the lesser).
Please note that in 2022-23, this program had an approval rate of 60% (three out of five applications were approved).
Are you Eligible?
Applicants from all creative sectors supported by Creative Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for this grant.
- Important details that apply to all Creative Saskatchewan grants.
Business Improvement Guidelines
- The official guidelines supersede all information contained elsewhere on this website, delivered to applicants by Program Advisors, or otherwise made publicly available.
- If travel is a part of your project, please read the Applicant Travel Policy.
Please note that if ineligible expenses (outlined in the Guidelines above) exceed 50% of the project budget, the application will be deemed ineligible.
Activities that receive funding from SK Arts or SaskCulture are not eligible for support through Creative Saskatchewan investment programs.
Application Tips & Process
You’ll be asked these questions as part of the online Grant Management System application process, pay close attention to the maximum number of points available!
Tip – Make a strong case for how the activity you’d like to pursue will help your business grow.
Tip – Include a detailed timeline of what you’ll be doing, and when.
Tip – Back up your proposed budget with quotes from vendors.
Tip – Explain why now is the right time to do this.
Tip – Spell-out your business’ short-term and long-term goals.
Tip – Grant writing webinars are available on our YouTube channel
Book a consult Our Program Team is happy to walk you through eligibility criteria, tips for success, and best practices.
What’s new for 2024?
- This grant was previously called the “Business Capacity Grant” and has now been renamed to the “Business Improvement Grant”.
- Approved projects will be funded up to 50% of the approved project budget to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant per fiscal year (whichever is the lesser).
- Training of applicant and/or company staff that accompanies a technology infrastructure purchase is now eligible.
- Residencies are ineligible.
- The Business Improvement grant is not accepting applications from the film sector for 2024-25.
- There are now only two deadlines for the Music sector instead of five.
- Please note that the Assessment Criteria has undergone significant structural changes, please review these ahead of application by clicking the ‘Assessment Criteria’ button above.
What happens after I’m approved?
- 80% of your grant is paid when the application is approved. The remaining 20% of your grant is paid after the project is complete and your final report has been approved.
- Don’t forget to acknowledge the support you’ve received from Creative Saskatchewan by following our guide here.
Per Diem, Mileage & Exchange Rates
For information on per diem, mileage, exchange rates, accommodations, and currency conversion requirements, please click here.
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