Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
45% non-refundable tax credit to investors in eligible Saskatchewan startups. Investors can claim up to $225,000/year, and eligible startup businesses (ESBs) can raise up to $2M through the program. Designed to attract angel and early-stage investment to Saskatchewan's tech ecosystem.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Startup Business (ESB): fewer than 50 employees
- 50%+ of employees based in Saskatchewan
- Headquartered in Saskatchewan
- Less than $5M in prior equity capital raised
- Must be approved as ESB before investors can claim credits
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- 45% tax credit to investors (up to $225,000/year per investor; ESB can raise up to $2M)
- Type
- Tax Credit
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 45% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Open ($7M annual cap, first-come first-served)
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win STSI — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 6-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 9-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 4-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for STSI? Most founders end up needing more than one template — grab the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27 vs separate) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipGet your ESB registration approved BEFORE approaching investors — the tax credit is the hook that makes Saskatchewan startups attractive to angel investors. The 45% rate is among the highest startup investor tax credits in Canada. Market it actively in your pitch deck. Connect with the Saskatchewan Angel Investor Network (SAIN) once registered.
Success Profile
Tech startups with fewer than 50 employees, headquartered in Saskatchewan, that can articulate a compelling investment thesis. Companies in software, cleantech, and digital innovation that can attract local angel investors or investment groups leveraging the 45% credit.
Evaluation Criteria
Entitlement-based for both ESB registration and investor credit. ESB evaluation: fewer than 50 employees (50%+ in SK), SK head office, <$5M prior equity raised, qualifying technology sector (digital or clean tech). Investor evaluation: SK taxpayer, not specified shareholder, accredited or signed Risk Declaration, investment in registered ESB within eligible period. Annual $7M program cap allocated first-come first-served to investor applications.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 3
- Equity investment via share subscription in a registered ESB
- Convertible notes in a registered ESB
- SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity) in a registered ESB (investment must be made within 12-month approval window)
Ineligible Expenses 4
- Debt investments (straight loans without equity conversion)
- Investments in non-registered ESBs
- Investments exceeding $2M cumulative per ESB (program cap per company)
- Investments by 'specified shareholders' (>35% ownership in preceding 24 months)
Intake Periods
Open continuously year-round. ESB applications accepted at any time. $7M annual cap allocated first-come, first-served to investor applications — monitor remaining capacity as fiscal year progresses.
Deadline Notes
Open year-round with a $7M annual program cap on a first-come, first-served basis. Cap may be reached before fiscal year-end.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Companies with 50+ employees
- Companies with <50% of employees based in Saskatchewan
- Companies with head office outside Saskatchewan
- Companies that have raised $5M or more in prior equity capital
- Companies in ineligible sectors: crop development, agricultural processing for consumption, food/beverage manufacturing, synthetic/biological stimulants, power generation, biomedical (unless core innovation is digital)
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskModerate — investor credit fully clawed back if investment disposed of within 3 years. ESB losing qualifying status (e.g., growing beyond 50 employees, relocating HQ) may affect ongoing investor eligibility for credit carry-forward.
How STSI Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incen... | up to $225,000 | Easy | Tax Credit Offset | Open ($7M annual cap,... |
| Mitacs Accelerate | $15,000 per internship unit | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fun... | Up to $450,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Open (twice-yearly... |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Next deadline: May 29,... |
Related Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about STSI