Two Humboldt area entrepreneurs among recipients of 2025-26 Young Entrepreneur Bursary – DiscoverHumboldt.com

Two innovative young business owners from the Humboldt region are among 57 recipients of the 2025-26 Young Entrepreneur Bursary, announced October 28 by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding and Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy. 

The bursary program provides $5,000 to each recipient to help their small businesses grow. A total of 57 young entrepreneurs from 48 communities across the province were selected from a competitive pool of 326 applicants. 

“It is encouraging to see Saskatchewan’s next generation of entrepreneurs contributing to the economic success of our province,” said Kaeding during the announcement. “This government recognizes the role that young business owners play in creating jobs, driving innovation and growing our economy.” 

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $1 million over three years to support the Chamber of Commerce in delivering the program. Eligible entrepreneurs are between the ages of 18 and 35 and have operated their businesses for 10 years or less. Applicants represented a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, agriculture, recreation, and food production. 

Locally, Matthew Kelly, owner of Humboldt Therapy Centre, and Brooklyn Carberry, founder of Brook’s Beet Salsa in Annaheim, were among those recognized. 

Kelly, who completed his Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2019, leads Humboldt Therapy Centre with a focus on sport, exercise, and human movement. His hands-on approach and ability to communicate effective therapy and exercise regimens have earned praise from clients seeking rehabilitation and wellness services. 

Carberry’s business, Brook’s Beet Salsa, brings a creative twist to Saskatchewan’s food scene. Her signature product combines the natural sweetness of locally grown beets with the tang and spice of salsa, offering a nutritious and versatile treat. “It started as an experiment in my kitchen,” Carberry said. “Now, seeing it on store shelves and knowing it’s made right here in Annaheim is incredibly rewarding.” 

Ramaswamy emphasized the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs from all regions of the province. “Through this program, we are proud to create opportunities for young leaders to grow, collaborate, and contribute to a stronger provincial economy,” she said. 

Saskatchewan continues to boast one of the strongest small-business sectors in Canada. The province had 154,278 small businesses in 2024—124 for every 1,000 people, the second-highest per capita rate nationwide. Small businesses make up 98.8 per cent of all businesses in Saskatchewan, employing more than 30 per cent of the workforce and paying out nearly $7.8 billion in wages and salaries. 

As Saskatchewan’s small business community continues to grow, up 4.9 per cent over the past decade, the Young Entrepreneur Bursary stands as a vital investment in the province’s future. For Humboldt and area, the success of Kelly and Carberry showcases the creativity, determination, and community spirit driving the next generation of Saskatchewan entrepreneurs.