Conexus Credit Union is aiming to help out local entrepreneurs with their new Cultivator program.

Jordan McFarlen, business incubator manager with Conexus, said their Cultivator program will attempt to launch, grow and scale innovative companies in Saskatchewan

“We feel there’s great talent and potential all over the province, not just Regina and Saskatoon, like I think often happens with certain programs,” said McFarlen. “We wanted to hit the road and meet face to face with innovators, mentors, potential founders and community champions in pockets across the province.”

Tech startups are higher risk but are also higher potential, McFarlen said.

“Those type of companies need a bit more support in terms of mentorship, guidance, coaching and things like that, and that’s where we really feel like an incubator or accelerator program like Cultivator can really provide the most benefit to the community,” McFarlen said.

The roadshow took place at the Hive Wednesday and they gave individuals the opportunity to learn about the programming and supports.

“We also were able to highlight local Moose Jaw founder Joel Pinel and his artificial intelligence tech startup SezzWho,” said McFarlen. “So it was a really cool opportunity to see somebody in Moose Jaw who is doing some really innovative stuff and help them share that with the community.”

They also had the chance to hear from a venture capital fund manager about what kind of programs they offer, as well as Innovation Saskatchewan’s Andrew Wahba, sharing some of the government’s initiatives designed to help startup companies and investors, and as well helping companies and startups try to sell to government.

Connections were made between various members of the community through the event, McFarlen said.

The event as a whole was successful and they stayed at the venue for nearly an hour chatting after their time.

“You could definitely tell there’s a good energy and excitement in Moose Jaw,” said McFarlen. “We believe in the people in Moose Jaw and we’d love to help support with the programming and other things offered through Cultivator and we think it’s a great fit there.”

Anyone who is interested but couldn’t make it out can go to their website at Cultivator.ca