SaskatchewanThree local business owners received $5,000 grants from the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Saskatchewan. The initiative is meant to support early-stage entrepreneurs in need of financial assistance to expand their businesses.Funding meant to help 3 newer entrepreneurs propel their businesses forwardAishah Ashraf · CBC News · Posted: Nov 15, 2025 6:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 7 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hughes, far left, stands with the three recipients of the grant, and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Kevin Kasun, farright. (Aishah Ashraf/CBC)Friday was a big day for young entrepreneurs in Prince Albert, Sask.Three local business owners received $5,000 grants from the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Government of Saskatchewan.The initiative is meant to support early-stage entrepreneurs in need of financial assistance to expand their businesses.Chamber CEO Patty Hughes described the grants as a crucial push for businesses on the brink of major growth.“We have young entrepreneurs who are saying, ‘If I had a little bit more … this would really catapult my business into being super successful,’” she said.“Whether it’s just one more training class or this piece of equipment, what would be something that would be able to help them make sure that their business becomes a success?”The program drew strong interest from across the region. About 50 entrepreneurs applied for the grants, with a third-party panel selecting the finalists.It also comes with a one-year Chamber membership and access to business development resources.Among the recipients is Yetunde Lawal, owner of Gabby’s Beauty Supplies, which specializes in textured hair products and styling services.Yetunde Lawal owns two locations of Gabby’s Beauty Supplies. She launched her first spot in Saskatoon and later expanded to Prince Albert. (Submitted by Yetunde Lawal)For Lawal, the recognition that comes with the grant carries just as much weight as the financial support.“It just helps us to see that, OK, we’re being seen. It kind of helps us to know that there’s a chamber that actually recognizes small businesses,” she said.Running a small business can feel isolating at times, she said.“You know, I always say that if you see a small business owner, just give them a tap on the back, because some days it’s really tough,” she said.Lawal plans to use the funding to expand her product line with new suppliers.The board also selected 23-year-old esthetician Acacia Carleton, who owns Acacia Blossom Beauty Spa.At Acacia Blossom Beauty Spa, Acacia Carleton offers facials, hair removal services and lash lifts. (Submitted by Acacia Carleton)She said learning she had been chosen was an emotional milestone after her first year in business.“I was so happy. I couldn’t believe I won. I swear I poured everything I had into that application,” she said. “It’s one of the greatest moments that I’m able to just do so much more, especially after one year.”Carleton plans to use the grant to introduce new services for her clients.The third recipient was Kirk Pilon, who operates Pilon Homes Inspections and Improvements in Prince Albert and surrounding communities. Being selected came as a surprise to him.“Well, I couldn’t believe it because I knew how many people were applying,” he said. “I’m just really honoured.”Kirk Pilon is a residential home inspector. (Aishah Ashraf/CBC)Pilon intends to spend the funding on inspection software and insurance.He offered a message for other young entrepreneurs hoping to get started.”Work hard, invest into yourself. And then, sometimes you’ll have something that helps you out and gives you a little boost.” ABOUT THE AUTHORAishah Ashraf is a reporter with CBC Saskatchewan, based in Prince Albert. You can send story ideas and tips to aishah.ashraf@cbc.ca.
Province and Chamber award $5K grants to support young entrepreneurs in Prince Albert, Sask.
