Battlefords entrepreneurs Jessica Laing, left, owner of Free Bird Bodywork, and Elissa Parker, founder of Authentically Rooted Wellness, were recognized through Saskatchewan’s new Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program, each receiving $5,000 to support business growth and training. (Submitted photo/ Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce)

By battlefordsNOW staff

BUSINESS

Young Battlefords entrepreneurs recognized in provincial bursary program

Nov 12, 2025 | 11:40 AM

Two young business owners from the Battlefords are among 57 recipients recognized through Saskatchewan’s new Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program, which aims to support the province’s next generation of innovators.

Jessica Laing, owner of Free Bird Bodywork, and Elissa Parker, founder of Authentically Rooted Wellness, each received a $5,000 grant through the program, funded by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development and administered by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Launched earlier this year, the bursary supports entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who have been in operation for less than 10 years. Recipients also gain access to mentorship, business networks, and workshops to help grow their enterprises.

Laing, a registered massage therapist, said the funding will allow her to expand her practice and improve care for families in the community.

“This bursary would allow me to invest in some of the key tools and training I need to grow my business and better serve growing families in the Battlefords,” she said.

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Laing said she’s currently pursuing her doula certification and plans to use the funding to upgrade her therapy space with new tools and equipment. She added that many of her clients have been asking for prenatal services.

“I hear firsthand from my clients how few options people have for birth support or prenatal massage,” she said. “This bursary would allow me to offer more to my clients and build something that truly serves the needs of our community.”

For Parker, whose equine-assisted learning facility operates just outside North Battleford, the bursary will help improve the business’s indoor workspace.

“The $5000 bursary will help me purchase much-needed office equipment and furnishings,” she said, noting plans for a new computer, printer, and client seating area.

Parker said creating a more professional and culturally safe space will allow her to better serve families, schools, and organizations who take part in her equine-assisted learning and mental wellness programs.

A local celebration for the recipients took place Nov. 10 at the Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce, with remarks from Health Minister and the Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, along with local officials.

Makenna and Tiegan Furber (sisters), right, with MLA – Kindersley Biggar – Kim Gartner. ((Photo/ Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce)

Also recognized in the region was Swimming Lessons @yourtownhere from Biggar, operated by sisters Teigan and Makenna Furber, who plan to use their bursary to purchase new safety equipment and develop scheduling and billing tools for their travelling swim school.

Across the province, 57 entrepreneurs from 48 communities were selected from a pool of more than 340 applicants. Each will receive $5,000 to support business expenses and take part in mentorship programming through the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com