REGINA — Economic Development Regina (EDR) has created a new program to help local businesses grow.
The Upscale Business Growth Program has provided upwards of $10,000 in credits, which equates to real dollars towards six businesses with a series of supports.
“[This includes] professional services or some advisory services [or] building a growth plan and helping them through what that next stage looks like,” said EDR CEO Chris Lane.
Lane said these businesses were chosen because they're post-start-up with a product or market that has plans to grow.
With 20 businesses applying for the program in year one, Lane said it shows there is interest in the program.
One of the businesses selected was Crazy Ape.
Scott Martin, sales manager at Crazy Ape, said their company is using the program for professional resources.
As producers of trampolines, Martin said hiring professionals to film content is huge for their branding.
“There's a lot of content that we produce [on Instagram or Youtube], and it's that content that really drives the business.”
Overall, Martin said he hopes this program can move the needle forward.
Lane stressed the importance of helping small and medium enterprises grow as they make up over 90 per cent of Regina’s economic activity.
“This helps job creation to GDP growth and revenue generation within the city, so it's an extremely important [program].”
As it stands, the program is a three-year deal with the federal government as part of Prairies Economic Development Canada. However, Lane hopes it can continue beyond that point.
Six new businesses will be selected in Spring 2026.
