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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.) | Annual intake window.... |
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