Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – On behalf of the MN-S Ministry of Economic Development, SaskMétis Economic
Development Corporation (SMEDCO) is pleased to announce the SMEDCO Community Covid Business Fund
in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada has been re-capitalized! $5.9M is available to Métis owned
micro businesses and Community owned businesses.
The purpose is to provide non-repayable funding intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these
Community-owned businesses and microbusinesses to strengthen operations and support their viability
during the pandemic with the goal of positioning them for recovery. These funds are intended to fill the gaps
of other federal business support programs in response to the pandemic.
There are 2 different streams available and SMEDCO will provide all the resources clients need to become
stronger and more efficient. Clients will have access to the most experienced, professional staff and business
advisory consultants to guide them through these uncertain times.
“This is fantastic news for us at SMEDCO. We are the only Métis Capital Corporation in Saskatchewan offering
a full suite of financing solutions for Métis businesses since 1987. We understand how the 4th wave continues
to impact Métis businesses. Now we can continue to provide non-repayable COVID financial support to Métis
businesses that were unable to access other COVID funding “said Tristan Zachow – Chief Executive Officer.
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan President and Chairperson for SMEDCO, Glen McCallum said “This has been an
extraordinary opportunity for us to deliver these supports to communities and micro businesses – last year we
were fully allocated within a few months of receiving the funding. We are now able to further support Métis
community development corporations, as well businesses such as commercial fishers, artisans, musicians and
home-based businesses in conjunction with small business week. These funds will reach and empower those
businesses that have not been able to access other covid support programs – making an impact in all four
corners of the province”
SMEDCO is the economic development hub for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S). Since our
establishment in 1987, SMEDCO has been owned by the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc. and is a
Métis Capital Corporation that is proud to support Métis business-owners in the province of Saskatchewan.
We provide financial solutions for Métis owned businesses so that they may start up, acquire, and/or expand
their operations in our great province. In turn, this helps build up the Saskatchewan Métis community as well
as the economy that serves our province. SMEDCO also provides economic development supports to the
Métis regions and locals
SMEDCO was established because we are passionate about building up the Métis business community in
Saskatchewan.
Testimonials:
“On Behalf of Kineepik Métis Local, we would like to thank SMEDCO for the financial support and consulting
services that have been provided to our organization through the SMEDCO Community COVID Fund.
Those contributions and supports came at the time they were most needed and will help us overcome
the economic challenges that COVID has created for the community and our corporation.
Our most sincere Thanks!” Kineepik Métis Local
“I want to send out a HUGE congratulations to SMEDCO along with all their staff for all the great work you are
all doing helping Métis businesses overcome losses in their businesses during Covid. Keep on doing what your
doing changing people’s lives -Stay safe!” Donny Parenteau -Prince Albert.
All details including application forms can be found at https://smedco.ca/covid-business-fund/
For more information, please contact – Monica Brunet P: 306-477-4350 | e: mbrunet@smedco.ca | www.smedco.ca
