About SOAR
SOAR (kihiw paskîyâkêwin) is a province-wide Indigenous entrepreneurship program designed to support, celebrate, and elevate Indigenous-owned businesses across Saskatchewan.
Originally launched in 2022 by the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), SOAR began as a regional initiative supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Saskatoon area. Through business development, mentorship, networking, and a pitch competition, the program quickly demonstrated the impact of investing in Indigenous entrepreneurship. Since its inception, SOAR has awarded $140,000 in prize funding to help Indigenous entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their businesses.
Today, SOAR is entering an exciting new chapter. Delivered through SREDA's entrepreneurship program, SK Startup Institute, in partnership with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), the program has expanded to serve Indigenous entrepreneurs from communities across Saskatchewan.
As SOAR continues to grow, participants can expect a province-wide program experience that includes virtual workshops, an in-person cohort gathering, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to compete for a share of the $50,000 prize pool. Alongside this expansion, SOAR has also introduced a refreshed visual identity that reflects the program's continued growth and commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Our mission
We believe that when Indigenous entrepreneurs succeed, they create opportunities that extend far beyond their businesses. They strengthen communities, inspire future entrepreneurs, and contribute to a more vibrant and resilient economy across Saskatchewan.
SOAR exists to support that journey by creating a space where Indigenous entrepreneurs can learn, connect, grow, and succeed together.
The SOAR Experience
SOAR is more than a pitch competition. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and become part of a supportive community of Indigenous entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and business leaders.
Participants take part in a series of workshops, receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, connect with peers from across Saskatchewan, and develop the skills and confidence to pitch their businesses for funding.
Throughout the program, entrepreneurs build lasting relationships, strengthen their businesses, and gain the tools needed to continue growing long after the competition ends.
New Visual Identity
Meet the Artist
The SOAR visual identity was created by Alexis Blackbird, a Saskatchewan Indigenous artist and beadwork designer whose work is rooted in storytelling, culture, and creativity.
Inspired by the values at the heart of SOAR, Alexis created a visual identity that reflects the entrepreneurial journey through strength, resilience, growth, and community.
The artwork represents the connections that support entrepreneurs as they pursue their goals while recognizing the lasting impact they create for their families, communities, and future generations.
We are honoured to have Alexis's work represent the next chapter of SOAR and grateful for the creativity and meaning brought to the program through this collaboration.
