Starting or growing a business in a minority-language setting can be challenging. Many francophone entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan find it hard to access business training in French. Êtes-vous business? addresses this need by offering French-language workshops focused on real-world business skills, delivered by people who know the local francophone community.
Êtes-vous business? is a federal initiative delivered by the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS), with support from the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada. It is not a grant or loan program. Instead, it provides structured business and management workshops in French for entrepreneurs and community organizations in Saskatchewan.
You may be a good fit if you are:
You do not need to be incorporated to take part. Early-stage entrepreneurs are welcome, as long as you have a clear business or project idea.
The Êtes-vous business? workshops focus on practical topics, including:
These sessions are designed to build confidence and core skills, especially for entrepreneurs working in French in a mainly English-speaking environment.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter business support programs by province, language, and business stage if you want to explore further options.
Getting started with Êtes-vous business? is straightforward, but space may be limited.
Contact the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS)
Workshops are organized directly through the CÉCS. Program schedules change throughout the year.
Confirm your eligibility You may need to confirm:
Register for upcoming workshops Sessions may be offered:
Participate and apply the learning Workshops are practical and discussion-based. Many participants use them as a first step before seeking grants or loans from other programs.
Êtes-vous business? workshops are usually free or offered at very low cost, as they are supported by government funding and delivered through a non-profit organization.
Thinking Êtes-vous business? provides cash funding
This program offers training and advisory support, not direct grants or loans.
Waiting too long to seek support
The workshops are suitable for early-stage ideas. You do not need a fully developed business plan.
Not preparing questions in advance
Participants who come with specific challenges get more value from the sessions.
Forgetting to look for follow-up funding
Many entrepreneurs stop after the workshop, missing out on grants and financing they are now better prepared to apply for.
Q: Is Êtes-vous business? a grant or a loan program?
No. Êtes-vous business? provides French-language workshops and expert guidance. It does not offer direct financial assistance.
Q: Who can participate in Êtes-vous business?
The program is open to francophone and francophile entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations in Saskatchewan, including those at the idea or early growth stage.
Q: What topics are covered in the workshops?
Workshops focus on business basics, management best practices, expansion strategies, and financial management, including content for non-profits.
Q: Is the program only for non-profit organizations?
No. Êtes-vous business? supports both business start-ups or expansions and not-for-profit associations.
Q: How do I register for Êtes-vous business? workshops?
Registration is handled through the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan. Availability and formats vary by session.
Êtes-vous business? is often a starting point, not the finish line. After you build your skills and clarify your business plan, the next step is finding grants and support programs that fit your goals. GrantHub lists many active grant programs across Canada—see which ones match your business profile and build on what you learn through Êtes-vous business?.
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