Archived
Source verified June 19, 2026
Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses
Financial assistance for Inuit entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses
Funding available
Up to 81% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nunavut, Canada
Overview
The Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program provides up to $25,000 in total non-repayable funding per Inuit-owned business to support pre-startup, startup and expansion stages. Eligible activities include business pre-start costs (up to $5,000), business startup (up to $10,000), and business expansion (up to $10,000), with additional support available for training to run the business.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 81% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nunavut
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching a new Inuit-owned small business.
- Carrying out pre-start-up work to prepare a new business (such as initial planning and set-up activities).
- Expanding an existing Inuit-owned small business.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Inuit-owned small businesses
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of small sculpting tools.
- Purchase of sewing machines.
- Purchase of new equipment for the business.
- Purchase of safety equipment (safety gear).
- Expenses related to marketing initiatives (promotion, visibility of the company or its services).
Eligible geographic areas
- Inuit-owned businesses located in the Qikiqtani Region.
Selection criteria
- Applicant Eligibility: The applicant must be Inuk and reside in the Baffin Region for six months or more, or the applying entity (partnership or corporation) must be at least 51% Inuit owned and controlled.
- Project Scope: Clarity in business activity, projected costs, and required supporting documents (e.g., business plans, financial statements).
- Documentation: Submission of all required documents, including NTI Beneficiary card, business license, support letters, and quotations from suppliers.
- Equity Contribution: The applicant's commitment to contribute a minimum of 10% of the total project costs.
- Job Creation: The potential for the project to create full-time and part-time jobs for Inuit and other employees.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact Business Development Officer
- Make an appointment with a Kakivak Business Development Officer or call their toll-free number to discuss your business project.
- Obtain advice and guidance on the Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses and how they may support your establishment or expansion plans.
- Step 2: Obtain Application Form
- Request the Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses application form from the Business Development Officer.
- Access the PDF version of the application form, as indicated on the program page.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the Sivummut grant application form with information about your business pre-start up, start-up, or expansion activities, as applicable.
- Indicate the amount of grant funding you are requesting within the program’s stated limits.
- Step 4: Discuss Financing Combination (if applicable)
- Work with the Business Development Officer to determine whether your project will use a combination of grant contributions and a Makigiaqvik Loan.
- Adjust your application and project financing plan based on this guidance.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed Sivummut grant application form to Kakivak Association as directed by the Business Development Officer.
Additional information
- Business Development Officers are available to provide advice and guidance related to Sivummut Grants.
- Kakivak’s Business Services Department aims to help create viable and successful Inuit-owned businesses that generate employment in their communities.
- Sivummut Grants may be used in combination with Makigiaqvik Loans as part of a broader financing package.
- A PDF version of the Sivummut Grant application form is available from Kakivak Association.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses Program
What is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?
The Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program provides up to $25,000 in total non-repayable funding per Inuit-owned business to support pre-startup, startup and expansion stages. Eligible activities include business pre-start costs (up to $5,000), business startup (up to $10,000), and business expansion (up to $10,000), with additional support available for training to run the business.
How much funding can be received?
Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses Funds up to 81% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program?
To be eligible for the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program, you must:
Business must be Inuit owned.
Business located in the Qikiqtani Region.
Funding must support business start-up or expansion.
What expenses are eligible under Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?
Launching a new Inuit-owned small business.
Carrying out pre-start-up work to prepare a new business (such as initial planning and set-up activities).
Expanding an existing Inuit-owned small business.
Who can I contact for more information about the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?
You can contact Kakivak Association or by phone at 867-979-0911.
Where is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses available?
The Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program is available the province of Nunavut.
Is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses is a Grant and Funding