(REGINA, SK) Economic Development Regina (EDR) has unveiled the six Regina-area companies selected for Cohort 1 of Upscale – a new business development program designed to accelerate high-potential local businesses. 

Over the coming months, each company will work closely with EDR to build and implement a tailored strategic growth plan. Upscale offers professional services and one-on-one guidance to enable long-term, scalable success. From expanding operations and entering new markets to refining strategy, cohort companies will receive the support they need to take the next step.  

Cohort 1 companies include: 

• The Corner Office CFO 

• Crazy Ape Extreme Equipment 

• Greenwave Innovations 

• Intriquip Instruments Inc. 

• Prometal Industries Ltd. 

• Sticks and Doodles 

More information about Upscale can be found at upscalesk.ca. 

For More information, contact 

Mattea Columpsi 

Manager, Communications 

Economic Development Regina  

306-565-6338 

About Upscale 

Launched by Saskatchewan Regional Economic Development Agency (SREDA) and Economic Development Regina (EDR), and supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada, Upscale delivers expert guidance, market insight, and high-value resources to help companies scale with confidence – driving economic growth and reinforcing Saskatchewan’s reputation as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Upscale is designed for for-profit, privately held businesses located in the Saskatoon or Regina Regions that meet the following criteria: 

• Incorporated and operational for at least two years 

• Fewer than 150 employees 

• Annual revenue between $1 million and $50 million 

• A clear and established business plan 

• Operating in one of the following key industries: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy, technology, and/or life sciences/biotechnology 

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. 

Economic Development Regina (EDR) has given the local economy a B grade for 2025, down slightly from the B+ grade in 2024. While trade and geopolitical uncertainties pose new challenges, the Greater Regina Area’s (GRA) economy continues to show steady growth and resilience, with real GDP growth projected at 2.5%, outpacing the national average. 

Jobs (B) and housing (B) maintain positive trends 

With the employment growth forecast at 1.7%, and the unemployment rate falling to 5.3%, the GRA’s labour market remains among the strongest in Canada. However, the region still faces a significant skills mismatch, which costs the economy over $500 million annually. At the same time, Regina’s housing market remains strong, with average prices expected to rise 9%. 

Key sectors (B-) offer a mixed story 

Regina’s Agriculture and Food sectors continue to perform well, supported by investment and demand. At the same time, the manufacturing and energy sectors have experienced headwinds due to trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. New investments, like Cargill’s $350M canola crush plant, are paving the way for future growth, even as other major projects remain paused. 

Population growth (A-) offers opportunity 

Regina continues to attract newcomers, with the population expected to reach 293,000 in 2025. While this growth fuels local labour and consumer markets, the GRA will need to continue its focus on population growth and retention. 

Overall, Regina enters 2025 with cautious optimism, backed by a solid foundation, and a strong focus on taking on headwinds.  

View EDR’s 2025 Economic Report Card here. 

(Regina, SK) Together with at least 12 private, public, and non-profit organizations, Economic Development Regina (EDR) is conducting the first outbound mission of its U.S. engagement strategy – May 20 to 23 in Denver, Colorado.  

The mission is intended to bolster an already strong relationship between Colorado and Saskatchewan, which saw more than $301.5M in goods flow between the two jurisdictions in the past year. 

“In a difficult trade environment like this, one of the most important actions we can all take is engagement,” said EDR CEO Chris Lane. “Together with our partners, EDR is embarking on a targeted strategy that promotes trade opportunities, attracts business and investment, and perhaps most importantly, fosters goodwill between Canadian and American businesses.”

A positive relationship with the U.S. is crucial to ensuring a healthy economy. Prior to recently announced tariffs on both sides of the border, Regina’s GDP growth for 2025 was projected to be 2.5%. A prolonged trade war could reduce that growth to 0.5%, with a GDP loss of $329M and 730 jobs by the end of 2025. 

“This mission to Denver represents an incredible opportunity to showcase our city’s strengths in agriculture innovation, energy, manufacturing, and beyond,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski. “Economic Development Regina’s leadership in fostering international trade and investment is a crucial step in strengthening Regina’s economy and our global connections.  

“By building partnerships and expanding trade opportunities with Colorado, we are investing in Regina’s future, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term prosperity. I commend EDR and all participating organizations for championing this initiative. With the launch of new daily non-stop flights between Regina and Denver, the Regina Airport Authority is helping create seamless connections that will further enhance business, trade, and investment opportunities between our two economies.” 

The mission closely follows today’s launch of daily, non-stop United Airlines service between Regina and Denver, creating a direct link between Denver’s thriving economy and Saskatchewan’s capital – a hub for agriculture innovation, traditional and renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and supply chain connectivity into Western Canada. The first Dever-bound flight is scheduled for Friday, May 16. 

“We appreciate the support of our business community and EDR in facilitating the Denver mission,” said James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority. “This new route strengthens Regina’s position as the key gateway to southern Saskatchewan and demonstrates United Airlines’ confidence in Saskatchewan’s future. Connecting us directly to the 6th busiest airport in the world is key to the economic growth of our province.” 

Highlights of the mission include: 

• A Leadership Roundtable bringing together business leaders, post-secondary institutions, and trade agencies; 

• Active participation in World Trade Day, Colorado’s premier international business event; 

• Visits to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Colorado State University’s SPUR campus, exploring shared research interests in clean tech and food systems; 

• A WorldDenver Premier Briefing on U.S.-Canada economic relations. 

“In the true spirit of Economic Development Week, this mission is about building connections, exploring business and investment opportunities, and growing together in sectors where our economies align,” said Lane. “EDR is truly excited to be part of this dynamic delegation.” 

The Regina delegation includes representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Regina Airport Authority, the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, Canadian Western Agribition, and several Saskatchewan-based manufacturing businesses. 

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.

Saskatoon, SK – May 14, 2025 – Today, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) and Economic Development Regina (EDR) are proud to announce the launch of Upscale, a new growth program designed specifically for established businesses in the Saskatoon and Regina regions. Supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada, this initiative aims to provide the support, expertise, and resources that local companies need to scale their operations, drive growth, and expand into new markets.

Applications are now open for the joint initiative between SREDA and EDR. Designed for companies ready to scale, the program will deliver tailored growth plans, expert advice, and resources to help Saskatoon and Regina businesses grow with confidence.

“Upscale is an incredible opportunity for Saskatoon Region businesses to receive support that’s aligned with their growth journey,” said Erin Lawson, CEO of SREDA. “By equipping local companies with the right tools and expertise, we’re helping them scale with confidence and contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy.”

“Regina has a long history of entrepreneurs and game changers whose impact can be felt here at home and beyond,” said Chris Lane, CEO of EDR. “Upscale is designed to give a new generation of entrepreneurs the tools, insights, and support they need not only to scale their businesses, but to strengthen our economy.”

Program Details:

• The Upscale program is open to established businesses located in the Saskatoon and Regina regions that are past the startup stage and ready to scale.
• Applications will be accepted starting May 14, 2025, and will remain open until June 6 at 4:00 p.m.
• A virtual information session will be held on May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to provide more details about the Saskatoon-based program and answer any questions from prospective applicants.
• Interested businesses can apply by visiting www.upscalesk.ca and completing the application form.

SREDA and EDR are excited to offer this opportunity to local businesses to ensure that Saskatoon and Regina continue to be vibrant, thriving hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Wolensky
Director, Marketing and Communications, SREDA
swolensky@sreda.com
306-664-0723

Chris Bonk
Director, Brand and Communications, EDR
cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6388

ABOUT SREDA
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is dedicated to driving economic growth and prosperity in the Saskatoon Region by advancing entrepreneurship, supporting local economic growth and attracting investment.

ABOUT EDR
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.