‘Really about building’: Saskatoon Startup Week kicks off

It takes money to make money! We're talking all things money and local business as Saskatoon Startup Week gets underway.

For Katrina German, being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs.

“Every day is one of your best and one of your worst, because there’s always opportunities that come in and there’s always some big hit that happens,” German said.

She founded Ethical Digital about six years ago, helping businesses with digital marketing and, more recently, helping them implement AI responsibly. While building a business comes with uncertainty, German said she finds the work fulfilling.

“Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely one of those things that can be so fulfilling and really makes life worth living,” she said.

German is one of many entrepreneurs celebrating the second annual Saskatoon Startup Week. The event kicked off Monday morning, bringing together members of the business community to share knowledge and support local entrepreneurs.

“It’s really about building community and building capacity – those skills and those knowledge-sharing pieces and really trying to build momentum of startups in Saskatoon,” said Stephane O’Reilly, chair of the Saskatoon Startup Week organizing committee.

Throughout the week, several organizations will host events and workshops.

Local entrepreneur Conor Phillips said those opportunities to connect can make a big difference.

“They’re all stepping stones. They all could potentially bring you in front of a new person that could be the next person to open up the next door for you,” Phillips said.

She founded the digital platform Roamlii in 2021 with the goal of keeping more tourism dollars in the hands of local businesses, saying large booking and advertising companies often reap the biggest rewards from tourism.

“Small businesses and communities are the ones who create experiences, but they’re the last to benefit,” she said.

Saskatoon Startup Week highlights the entrepreneurs and innovators helping shape the community’s future. The event runs until Friday.