Broten highlights small business plan in Moose Jaw

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to support these job creators,” said Broten. “I want to diversify our economy with more eggs in more baskets. We can take concrete steps to give small, local businesses the climate they need to grow and thrive. That’s a stronger Saskatchewan.

In Saskatchewan, 98 per cent of businesses are small businesses that have fewer than 50 employees. They’re responsible for a third of the province’s gross domestic product.

“The Sask. Party has shipped far too many big contracts out of our province, rather than putting Saskatchewan companies first," said Broten. " Their lazy procurement policy is benefitting corporations from outside Saskatchewan without giving local companies an even playing field to compete. That’s wrong, and it has to change.”

Broten’s commitments to small businesses include:

• Overhauling government and Crown corporation procurement to ensure Saskatchewan businesses benefit from an even playing field when it comes to bidding on contracts

• Promoting small local businesses better with a Buy Local campaign

• Supporting and expanding entrepreneurial incubator and accelerator initiatives

• Supporting craft brewers and distillers, including with growler stations and special displays in SLGA liquor stores

• Eliminating the two per cent small business tax for companies employing at least three people when the province’s fiscal capacity allows