Coronavirus: Saskatoon small business directory launches for heart of our community

The pursuit of a craft beer during the pandemic inspired a pair from Saskatoon’s tech industry to help local businesses affected by COVID-19. Kyle Gunderson, a project manager at a local software firm and University of Saskatchewan graduate, said the conversation about finding beer led himself and Elden Dutton to create Support Saskatoon. The online directory lists Saskatoon-specific businesses and non-profits. “Every business in the world seems to be struggling [during the pandemic], but the mom and pop shops here are what build our community,” Gunderson said in an interview. “They’re our neighbours, they’re our friends. They’re the ones that are going to struggle the most.” Less than 24 hours after the website’s launch Sunday, it accumulated more than 60 businesses. The site doesn’t have any ads or other method of making money for its co-founders.