Here’s how to create an app in Saskatchewan
You don’t need to know how to code to create your own app in Saskatchewan.
“It takes all types of skills to create technology,” CEO and Founder of Ethical Digital, Katrina German told CTV News.
“We need all types of people, marketers, businesspeople, there are all sorts of things required to make something a reality.”
German also said developing apps was not just for younger people.
“In Saskatchewan, we have people of all ages. It is not just a young person’s game.”
She said there was a need for more female representation in the industry.
“Women are only six per cent of technology founders in Canada. So, we need more women creating technology.”
Whether you’re looking to start a business or just get something going on the side, German said it was all possible.
“Some people are just doing it on the side of their desks, and kind of doing it as a side hustle and other people are just quitting their jobs and going all-in,” she explained.
“The idea is you’re just trying to solve a problem.”
GETTING STARTED
For those who have an app idea, German said the first step was to find a technology accelerator.
“They’ll really look and see if you’re idea is a good one and help you test through some of the ideas.”
In Saskatchewan, these are Co-labs, Cultivator, Founder’s Table (by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan) and Opus (University of Saskatchewan).
“So there is a lot of help and support out there for you and I highly recommend you reach out to an accelerator to see if you’re idea is a good one before you begin.”
FIND A DEVELOPER
The next step to making your app a reality is to find a developer to build it. However, German said they’re in high demand.
But there are many ways you can opt to work with a developer.
“Some people actually partner with a developer and bring them right into the business,” German said.
Others hire developers to work for the business or outsource the work.
Two companies that create apps in Saskatchewan are Love’s Technology and EHelply.
Hiring a freelance developer to build an app is another option, according to German.
“A couple of those other options are Upwork. There are a lot of different development houses on that platform. And TopTal is another one that just helps you find developers.”
AN EXCITING BUT RISKY INDUSTRY
Statistics on Canadian businesses show that about 67 per cent of service-oriented companies make it to the five-year mark. But less than 30 per cent make it to the 17-year mark.
German said that while a large number of start-ups fail, that should not deter people from trying.
“Don’t let that scare you. The 10 per cent that do succeed tend to do very well financially, and have bigger returns than regular markets,” she said.
“Technology is a very exciting place. It can really amplify your idea but it is a very risky area.”
German maintained that it’s important to work with an accelerator to develop your idea.
“If you take that MVP, which is called minimal viable product, just the most basic thing you’ve created to see if people will want it, you’re going to get a lot of feedback,” she explained.
“The important thing to make sure you listen, make sure you tweak. What you end up creating may be completely different than your idea but you have to be flexible to make sure the market wants what you’re offering.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.