archived
Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses
Last Update: December 12, 2025
NU, Canada
Financial assistance for Inuit entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses
Grant and Funding
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Up to 81% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
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
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.
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Establishment of an artisan coffee shop
$ 20,000
Development of a mobile app for local food delivery services
$ 18,000
Expansion of a community garden project
$ 25,000
Development of an online educational platform
$ 20,000
Setup of a shared co-working space for freelancers
$ 13,000
Creation of a local craft cooperative
Eligibility
- The business must be Inuit owned.
- The business must be located in, or serving, the Qikiqtani Region.
- The funding must be used to establish a new Inuit-owned business or to expand an existing one.
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
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
- 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
867-979-0911
NU, Canada
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 expenses are eligible under Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses?
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
More programs like this
Grant and FundingOpen
Nunavut Filmmakers Funding — Market Endowment Program
Nunavut Film Development CorporationGrants to bring Nunavut films to international markets
Grant and FundingOpen
Kakivak Association — Economic Opportunity Fund
Kakivak AssociationSupports tourism businesses in Qikiqtani Region communities
Grant and FundingClosed
Small Business Support Program — Small Business Opportunities Fund
Government of NunavutFunding to start or grow a business in Nunavut
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Kakivak Association — Makigiaqvik Loans
Kakivak AssociationLoans for Inuit business in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Region
Grant and FundingSuspended
French Language Services Program
Government of NunavutSupports initiatives promoting and protecting Nunavut's Francophone community
Grant and FundingClosed
CanNor Jobs and Growth Fund — Not-for-Profit
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)Money to future-proof your non-profit in Northern Canada
Other SupportClosed
CNBSC – Kivalliq, Nunavut
Canada Nunavut Business Service Centre (CNBSC)Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Kivalliq
Grant and FundingClosed
Nunavut Filmmakers Funding — Short Film Fund
Nunavut Film Development CorporationGrants to create Nunavut short films
Grant and FundingClosed
Small Business Support Program — Entrepreneur Development Fund
Government of NunavutFinancing for business training and aftercare in Nunavut
Grant and FundingOpen
Nunavut Filmmakers Funding — Story Telling Fund
Nunavut Film Development CorporationFunding for Nunavut production companies
Sign up to our platform to access the Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses information sheet for free
Get access to 4,000+ programs, practical guides, personalized alerts, and an AI assistant to support your grant applications.