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
BREAKING Person in flames outside New York courthouse where Trump trial underway, CNN reports
A person set themselves on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place, according to CNN.
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.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
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.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'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.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.