(Regina) Small businesses are the backbone of communities and economies worldwide, and Regina is no exception. Today, Economic Development Regina (EDR) released its State of Small Business report, an in-depth analysis of the small business ecosystem in Canada, Saskatchewan, and the Greater Regina Area (GRA).

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of Regina’s economy,” said EDR President and CEO Chris Lane. “This report not only underlines the vital role small businesses hold in our economy, it also emphasizes the importance of supporting them as they – and Regina’s economy – grow and adapt.”

The report, supported by data, highlights three key trends – adaptability & innovation, cultural & community impact, and future challenges – while showcasing the indispensable role of small businesses in the region:

• 98% of businesses in the GRA are small, employing 1 to 99 people.
• These small businesses generate $4.6 billion annually, contributing $4.4 billion to Regina’s GDP—an impressive 25% of the total GDP.
• Since 2019, the GRA has welcomed 368 new small businesses, demonstrating growth and innovation despite economic pressures.
• They contribute $567 million in total tax revenue, reinforcing their significance in supporting public services.

“The State of Small Business Report offers valuable data, analysis, and context for our small business community,” Regina Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Tate said. “The report is a significant tool that enables small business to continue driving innovation, create local employment opportunities and foster development in the local community. EDR’s leadership continues to be an important resource for small business in Regina.”

The State of Small Business report is a call to action for community leaders, policymakers, and residents to recognize and champion small businesses as key contributors to Regina’s success.
“Regina is fortunate to have a broad range of supports in place for entrepreneurs, but some gaps still remain,” Lane said. “In the coming months, EDR will announce a renewed strategy to support high-potential companies and remove barriers from choosing Regina.”

View EDR’s full State of Small Business report here.

For additional information, please contact:

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com

About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA).
EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:

• Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
• Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
• Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
• Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Regina) The Greater Regina Area (GRA) and Saskatchewan could face significant economic challenges if the United States imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, as threatened by President-elect Donald Trump.

Economic Development Regina (EDR) conducted an in-depth analysis, revealing that this potential policy could result in a $174M direct economic loss for Regina and an export reduction of nearly $4B across key provincial sectors, including agri-food, agricultural equipment, energy and raw materials.

If the proposed 25% tariff remains in place, total exports from these key sectors could decrease 10-25% by 2029, factoring in market changes and potential retaliatory measures.

“With Saskatchewan’s economy heavily reliant on trade, these tariffs pose a serious threat,” said EDR President & CEO Chris Lane. “Our agricultural, manufacturing, and energy sectors are crucial to the province’s economic health, and a disruption in trade with the U.S. could have a devastating impact. The potential loss of billions in exports, combined with resulting job cuts and rising costs, would not only affect businesses but also put a strain on everyday life for families and communities across the province”.

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Saskatchewan exported $49.3B worth of goods to the U.S. in 2023, with the GRA contributing substantially. Global businesses headquartered in the GRA such as Brandt and AGT Foods export and invest in the U.S., creating jobs at home, and markets abroad for Saskatchewan products. Beyond the immediate $174M economic hit, the GRA could also see broader impacts, including the loss of 600 full-time jobs by the end of 2025 (mainly in transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing), and a potential 4-5% rise in inflation by late 2025.

“While these tariffs are not yet certain, it’s essential we understand their potential impact and take action,” said Lane. “We are always working to diversify trade and explore new markets for Regina-based companies, but the United States remains our most important partner. EDR supports and encourages leaders in politics, policy and industry to work together quickly to ensure the continued free trade of Saskatchewan products.”

To read the full analysis, please click here.

For additional information, please contact:

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6392

About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA).

EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:

• Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
• Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
• Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
• Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.

Regina, Saskatchewan will host the Western Canada Economic Forum 2025 on January 29-31 at the Hotel Saskatchewan.

The Western Canada Economic Forum (WCEF) is a not-for-profit organization created to showcase the strength of the Western Canadian economy and to create new partnerships for growth. Government and business leaders from across the West will gather at WCEF 2025 to discuss economic growth strategies that strengthen the economy and create jobs.

WCEF will convene key Western Canada business leaders to discuss how a strong Western Canadian economy strengthens the Canadian economy and, vice-versa, how a strong Canadian economy supports growth in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The lineup of speakers includes established business leaders and economic experts such as:

• Candace Laing (Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
• Dr. Trevin Stratton (Americas Economic Advisory Leader & Partner, Deloitte)
• Mark Parson (Vice President & Chief Economist, ATB Financial)
• Laurel Broten (Chief Executive Officer, Invest in Canada)
• Karina Gistelinck (President, Potash, BHP)
• Justine Hendricks (Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Canada)
• Cadmus Delorme (Chief Executive Officer, OneHoop)

WCEF 2025 is focused on discussions on the themes of economic outlook for the West, provincial economic growth plans, opportunities and challenges to economic growth, policy transformation, financing business growth across the West, trade and investment attraction, and First Nations economic development.

Economic Development Regina (EDR), Regina Hotel Association (RHA), and Tourism Saskatchewan partnered to successfully bring WCEF to Regina.

“Hosting this event isn’t just about showcasing our city’s strengths; it’s about bringing together the brightest minds and leaders from across Western Canada to tackle the challenges and opportunities we all share,” said CEO of EDR, Chris Lane. “By hosting the forum, we’re putting Regina at the center of critical conversations that will shape our region’s economic future and drive meaningful growth for our communities.”

Alex Fallon, Founder & Chair, WCEF said, “WCEF brings together the Western Canadian provinces to discuss how we can better support each other with partnerships for economic growth. WCEF 2025 in Regina will help showcase the role Regina and Saskatchewan as a whole plays in the economic strength of Western Canada.”

The full program, including all confirmed speakers, offsite tours, and networking opportunities can be found at www.WCEF.ca.

For additional information, please contact:

Alex Fallon
Founder and Chair
Western Canada Economic Forum
Alex.Fallon@wcef.ca

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com

May 31, 2023

(Regina) With spring seeding nearing completion across Saskatchewan, Economic Development Regina’s (EDR) Data and Analytics team is examining at the importance of this massive undertaking to local and provincial economies.

“Seeding is without question Saskatchewan’s largest annual megaproject,” EDR President and CEO Chris Lane said. “When you consider the impact of this work extending across our economy, it’s impossible to overstate the value of agriculture to our province and our city.”

EDR’s report, titled Saskatchewan’s Annual Megaproject: Spring Seeding, uses data from a range of sources to understand the impact of this investment – and examine the economic factors at play for producers as the crop year progresses.

All told, Saskatchewan producers will invest more than $11 billion getting their 2023 crops into the ground. While the work doesn’t end once the seed is planted, EDR’s report focuses on field preparation, seed, seed treatment, fertilizer, labour, energy, and other inputs necessary to get to that point.

In addition, the report focuses in greater detail on three key Saskatchewan crops: spring wheat ($3.3 billion), canola ($5.0 billion), and lentils ($922 million).

The report also discusses the impact that seeding, and the agriculture industry, have on Regina. While a comparatively small amount of primary agriculture takes place in the Greater Regina Area, secondary and supporting businesses play a central role in the city’s economy.

“We refer to Regina as ‘The Heartbeat of the New Prairie Economy’ for a reason. Regina’s economy is built on agriculture – so it’s no surprise we’ve become a vital hub for inputs, equipment, business services, trade, and innovation,” Lane said. “If you live here and you’re not directly involved in agriculture or agribusiness, chances are you know someone who is.”

EDR continues to seek and create opportunities to tell Regina’s story to investors, skilled workers and families across Canada and around the world.

For more information, contact:

Chris Bonk
Economic Development Regina
Regina, SK
Phone: 306-565-6388
Email: cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com

About Economic Development Regina

EDR is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area. We are a not-for-profit public-private partnership and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with the City of Regina as its sole shareholder. EDR has a special role as a strategist and activator in our community. We connect people with opportunity – enhancing quality of life and prosperity for citizens.

For more information about EDR and its work, visit www.economicdevelopmentregina.com.

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