Six Indigenous businesses from across Saskatchewan are taking home a share of a record-breaking $70,000 prize pool following the 2026 SOAR Indigenous Pitch Finale at Wanuskewin Heritage Park on Wednesday night.
Micaela Champagne of askîhk Research Services secured the top spot, earning the $25,000 grand prize.
Brennan Campbell of CBG Campbell Builders and General Contracting took second place along with $15,000, while Rene L’Heureux of Beauty Spot Lash Bar and Spa claimed third place and $10,000.
Three runners-up were awarded $5,000 each: Tyler Jobb of Jobb Developments, Jade Roberts of Jade Levi Artwork, and Kelly Vandall and Raini Jack of Weather Guard Roofing. Vandall and Jack also captured the evening’s People’s Choice award, taking home an additional $5,000.
First launched in 2022 by the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), the SOAR program provides Indigenous entrepreneurs with mentorship, skill-building workshops, and expansion opportunities.
This year marked the program’s first province-wide expansion through a partnership between SREDA’s SK Startup Institute and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).
In honor of SIIT’s 50th anniversary, the core prize fund was raised to $50,000, while an added contribution from Affinity Credit Union brought the total purse to $70,000.
Organizers say expanding the competition beyond the Saskatoon region gives Indigenous entrepreneurs across the province a larger platform to showcase their ideas.
(Photo courtesy of SREDA)