How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 81% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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

Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses is funded by Kakivak Association

What are Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses's eligibility criterias?

The business must be Inuit owned. The business must be located in the Qikiqtani Region. The grant is available for the establishment or expansion of the business.

Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NU, Canada

Grants for Inuit businesses in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Region

Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses 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)

Grant Providers

Kakivak Association

Program status

Open

Overview of the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program

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

Eligibility criteria of the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program

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 to the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses program

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.

Determine Eligibility

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

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.

Gather Supporting Documents

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

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.

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.