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Kakivak Association  — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses - NU - Canada

Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses

Last Update: July 22, 2025
NU, Canada
Grants for Inuit businesses in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Region

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Up to 81% of project cost
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Other services (except public administration)
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

Receive up to $25,000 in grants for pre-start-up, start-up, and business expansion, which can be combined with a business loan to grow and expand your business.

Financing terms and conditions

The Sivummut Grants are designed to provide targeted financial support to facilitate the start-up and expansion of Inuit-owned businesses in the Qikiqtani Region. These grants are structured to assist businesses at different stages, ensuring optimal development and growth.
  • Funding of up to $5,000 for pre-start-up business activities.
  • Grants of up to $10,000 to support business start-up initiatives.
  • Up to $10,000 in funding for business expansion projects.
  • A cumulative grant cap of $25,000 per business for the combination of pre-start-up, start-up, and expansion stages.
  • Additional resources available to support business management training.

Activities funded

The Kakivak Association's Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program supports venture creation and growth for Inuit-owned enterprises in the Qikiqtani Region. Eligible projects under this grant focus on various stages of business development.
  • Support for pre-start-up business activities.
  • Funding for starting up new businesses.
  • Grants for expanding existing businesses.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Establishment of an artisan coffee shop
$ 25,000
Development of an online educational platform
$ 18,000
Expansion of a community garden project
$ 20,000
Development of a mobile app for local food delivery services
$ 20,000
Setup of a shared co-working space for freelancers
$ 13,000
Creation of a local craft cooperative

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to Inuit business ownership and project location.
  • The applicant must be an Inuit-owned business.
  • The business must be located in the Qikiqtani Region.
  • For the Economic Opportunity Fund, the business must be tourism-based and operate in one of the six communities adjacent to the National Parks in Qikiqtani Region: Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Pangnirtung.
  • Small Tool Grants have specific requirements depending on the type of tool, such as carving tools or sewing machines, with limits on how frequently they can be accessed.

Who is eligible?

This grant is targeted towards Inuit owned businesses in the Qikiqtani Region looking to establish or expand their operations. Eligible businesses must be owned by Inuit and operate within the specified region. There are different grant programs available for varied needs, such as startup funding, business expansion, and small tools for craftspeople.

Eligible expenses

The grants from the Kakivak's Business Services Department focus on supporting Inuit owned businesses in various phases of their development. These grants are aimed at encouraging new business ventures, assisting with expansions, and enhancing operational capabilities across different sectors.
  • Business pre-start up initiatives aimed at exploring and preparing for market entry.
  • Business start-up activities, covering initial operational costs to help new ventures begin operations.
  • Business expansion projects designed to increase the size or scope of existing businesses.
  • Purchasing carving tools for artists and craftspeople to enhance their production capabilities.
  • Acquiring sewing machines to support craftspeople in expanding their product offerings.
  • Providing funding for new equipment and safety gear to enhance tourism-based business operations.
  • Marketing initiatives aimed at promoting tourism businesses in the Qikiqtani Region.

Eligible geographic areas

Eligible businesses are those that are Inuit-owned and located in the Qikiqtani Region, as defined by the Kakivak Association. The geographical eligibility is tailored to support the growth of local businesses within specific Inuit communities.
  • Qikiqtani Region

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Kakivak Association Business Funding application appear to be implied through the requirements and expectations outlined in the application form. Below is a summary of these 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

1

Initial Contact

  • Contact Kakivak's Business Development Department to discuss your business idea or project.
  • Schedule an appointment with a Business Development Officer for personalized advice.
2

Determine Eligibility

Confirm your business's eligibility for the specified grant program (e.g., Sivummut Grants, Small Tool Grants, etc.).
3

Complete Application Form

  • Download the PDF application form for the appropriate grant program from the Kakivak website.
  • Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information regarding your business and project needs.
4

Gather Supporting Documents

Collect any necessary documents such as business plans, financial statements, or proof of Inuit ownership.
5

Submit Application

  • Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents to the Kakivak Business Services Department.
  • Ensure the submission is done before the specified deadline or within the grant period.
6

Await Response

Wait for confirmation from Kakivak regarding the receipt and status of your application.

Additional information

This grant requires detailed documentation for consideration, including proof of Inuit ownership and a comprehensive business plan for projects exceeding $20,000. The Kakivak Association oversees grant distribution, ensuring compliance with specific terms and conditions.
  • At least 51% Inuit ownership is required for eligibility.
  • Applications must include copies of NTI Beneficiary and Social Insurance cards.
  • Applicants must provide a letter of support from the Hamlet or Hunter and Trapper's Association.
  • Funding applications over $5,000 require a brief business plan, while those over $20,000 require a comprehensive business plan.
  • A minimum of 10% equity contribution from the applicant is typically required.
  • Funding offers can be withdrawn at any time by the Kakivak Association.

Contacts

867-979-0911
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?

Who is eligible for the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?

Where is the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses available?

Are startups eligible for the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program?

Apply to this program

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