We can do better. We can compete. We just have to decide to do it.

A coalition of Saskatoon Chamber members and economic development leaders is proposing to establish a $100 million Saskatchewan-based Fund-of-Funds program aimed at strengthening and expanding the province’s venture capital ecosystem.

“We have built one of the most strategically important economies in Canada but we have not built the capital machinery to keep its founders home. Our proposal closes this gap,” explains Jason Aebig, CEO.

Saskatchewan is the last province in Canada without a venture-capital Fund of Funds. Saskatoon is home to most of the infrastructure we’ve already built to support start-ups and commercialize technologies and product ideas. The Chamber’s proposal aims to leverage the investments Saskatchewan has already made and ensure the city and province are reaping the benefits.

“We built the launchpad but we’re watching the rockets take off from other provinces,” observes Aebig. “We see companies relocating headquarters to Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg as founders accept term sheets with explicit residency requirements. The IP, head offices, payroll and tax base goes with them as a direct consequence.”

Thank you to Minister Warren Kaeding for meeting with us and reviewing our white paper and modelling that supports our case for a Fund-of-Funds program in Saskatchewan. Across the range of scenarios explored, evidence suggests that such a program would attract capital, support high-potential SK companies, create jobs and grow the tax base delivering a 9.4x multiplier on provincial capital.