In a bold move to revitalize Regina’s entrepreneurial landscape, Economic Development Regina (EDR) has unveiled its innovative ‘Upscale’ program, specifically designed to propel local businesses toward sustainable growth and expansion. The initiative arrives at a critical juncture for Saskatchewan’s capital city, where small businesses continue to navigate post-pandemic challenges while seeking new opportunities in an evolving economic environment.
“Regina’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been resilient, but we recognized that many businesses need structured support to reach their next growth milestone,” said Chris Lane, CEO of Economic Development Regina, during Thursday’s launch event. “Upscale fills that precise gap by providing targeted resources to businesses poised for expansion but needing strategic guidance.”
The program targets established small businesses with demonstrated growth potential, offering personalized mentorship, strategic planning assistance, and access to vital capital resources. Unlike typical startup incubators, Upscale focuses specifically on enterprises that have survived their initial years and now require specialized guidance to scale operations, increase market share, or diversify their offerings.
Economic Development Regina reports that small businesses comprise over 95 percent of all businesses in the city, employing thousands of residents and contributing significantly to local economic stability. This program represents a strategic investment in strengthening this crucial economic foundation.
“Small businesses are not just economic drivers—they’re the heartbeat of our communities,” explained Tina Svedahl, EDR’s VP of Investment and Economic Growth. “When we help a local retailer expand their operations or a service provider reach new markets, we’re creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and building vibrant neighborhoods.”
The Upscale program follows months of consultation with business owners and economic experts to identify the most pressing obstacles facing growth-oriented small businesses. Access to capital consistently emerged as a primary concern, alongside challenges in strategic planning, talent recruitment, and technological adoption.
In response, EDR has structured Upscale to include both group learning opportunities and customized one-on-one support. Participating businesses will undergo a comprehensive assessment process to identify their unique growth barriers before being matched with appropriate resources and mentors.
Local business owner Maria Gonzalez, who participated in the program’s pilot phase, attests to its effectiveness: “We’d been stuck at the same revenue level for three years despite having a loyal customer base. Through Upscale, we identified opportunities to diversify our service offerings and implement more efficient systems. Six months later, we’ve increased revenue by 28 percent and hired two additional staff members.”
The program’s launch aligns with broader economic development strategies across Saskatchewan, where municipalities are increasingly focusing on supporting established businesses rather than solely pursuing external investment. This “grow your own” approach recognizes that existing businesses often represent the most reliable path to sustainable economic development.
City officials have expressed strong support for the initiative. “Small businesses create the majority of new jobs in our economy,” noted Regina City Councillor Bob Hawkins. “Programs like Upscale represent smart investments in our economic future and complement our other efforts to create a business-friendly environment.”
As Regina continues to position itself as a hub for entrepreneurship in the prairie provinces, the success of programs like Upscale may determine whether the city can retain its homegrown talent and business innovation. The question now facing Regina’s business community is not just whether they can survive in today’s challenging economic climate, but whether they can leverage initiatives like Upscale to transform survival into sustainable, community-enriching growth.
