New Sask Polytech challenge offers entrepreneurs up to $10,000 – DiscoverMooseJaw.com

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is launching its first-ever Startup Challenge, offering entrepreneurs and students a chance to win up to $10,000 while accessing mentorship to grow their businesses.

The 10-week program, running from late January through April 2026, aims to support both early-stage entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan and Sask Polytech students developing new business ideas.

“The startup challenge is an initiative with the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce and Sask Polytech, along with some supporters in the community,” said Spencer Nikkel, director of the new Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at Sask Polytech. “The Town and Country Mall and Harvest Guard Agronomy are also supporting this to make it a big success.”

Two streams for different ventures

The challenge features two entry streams with different prize structures and eligibility requirements.

The early-stage venture stream targets Saskatchewan entrepreneurs already operating businesses or social enterprises looking to accelerate growth. Winners in this category can claim prizes of $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, and $2,500 for third.

The student stream welcomes Sask Polytech students with new venture ideas they want to develop beyond the concept stage, with prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 for the top three finishers. An additional $4,000 in themed awards will be distributed across both streams.

“For Sask Polytech students who apply, a lot of them are going to be coming with brand new ideas,” Nikkel said. “They haven’t actually started running their business yet. They’re going to be using this as an opportunity to really get it from zero to one.”

Provincial reach and mentor support

Unlike many business competitions limited to specific communities, this challenge welcomes participants from across Saskatchewan.

“It’s open to entrepreneurs from across Saskatchewan,” Nikkel said. “it’s not limited to the Moose Jaw area. It’s open to Saskatchewan entrepreneurs who are registered and operating in Saskatchewan.”

Selected participants will join bi-weekly virtual sessions from late January through March, where they’ll be paired with industry mentors for personalized guidance.

“When it comes to the early-stage entrepreneurs, so people who are already operating businesses, but they’re just getting going, or maybe they’ve been going for a few years, but they’re looking to really kind of take it to that next level,” Nikkel said. “Those individuals are going to be accessing these mentors and this extra support to really help elevate their business and potentially even get exposure to investors, venture capitalists, that kind of thing, from both within and without the province.”

Final pitch event and prizes

The program culminates in a final showcase and pitch event in mid-April at the Town N Country Mall in Moose Jaw, where finalists will present their ventures to a panel of industry leaders and community partners.

All prize money is non-dilutive, meaning winners keep full ownership of their businesses.

“They’re not giving up any equity in their business,” Nikkel said. “It’s an opportunity just to have a cash injection that’s going to help them elevate their business to the next level.”

How to apply

Applications are open until January 12, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs and students can apply through the Sask Polytech website at saskpolytech.ca/events/sask-polytech-startup-challenge.aspx.

Spots are limited, with priority given to ventures demonstrating a commitment to community impact. Participants must be available for virtual workshop sessions and willing to attend the final pitch event in person in Moose Jaw.