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Metis-Dene Development Fund
Financial support for businesses in the Northwest Territories
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
Access loan guarantees, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, financing, and business advisory services for your Indigenous or non-Indigenous SME in the NWT.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Launch or market a product/service
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
Eligible projects for the Metis-Dene Development Fund aim to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs and build a robust Northern economy. The grant supports a range of financial services and development programs suitable for individuals and small businesses in the region.
- Access to Irrevocable Letters of Credit and Loan Guarantees for business ventures.
- Provision of Term Loans for long-term business investments.
- Offering Working Capital Loans and Lines of Credit to assist with daily operations.
- Support through the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Fund for innovative business ideas.
- Specialized services under the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program (IWE) to empower women-led enterprises.
- Business Support Services providing guidance and resources for operational success.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
This grant targets businesses and entrepreneurs in Northern regions, with a particular focus on supporting Indigenous communities, women entrepreneurs, and projects that enhance local economic development.- Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Women who own or lead businesses, especially within Indigenous communities.
- Entrepreneurs starting or expanding businesses in Northern regions.
- Businesses contributing to the economic development of Northern communities.
- Initiatives that demonstrate a strong potential for positive economic impact in local communities.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and business development among Indigenous communities in Northern Canada. The eligible projects are designed to enhance entrepreneurial capacity, support business growth, and facilitate economic development in the region.
- Entrepreneurial planning and development initiatives.
- Programs supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
- Business training and mentorship programs.
- Access to financial products such as term loans and working capital loans.
- Provision of business support services tailored to regional needs.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications are assessed periodically, and applicants should be aware of submission deadlines.
- Successful applicants may be required to attend a grant orientation session.
- A dedicated support team is available to assist applicants during the preparation of their application, providing guidance on required documentation.
- Previous recipients of similar grants may be contacted for references or testimonials.
- Collaboration with local economic development agencies is encouraged, potentially enhancing application strength.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Metis-Dene Development Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Metis-Dene Development Fund. 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 Metis-Dene Development Fund?
Access loan guarantees, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, financing, and business advisory services for your Indigenous or non-Indigenous SME in the NWT.
Who is eligible for the Metis-Dene Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Metis-Dene Development Fund program, you must:
The applicant must be part of the Métis or Dene communities.
The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the Northern economy.
The application is evaluated based on the applicant's character and capacity, not solely financial metrics.
What expenses are eligible under Metis-Dene Development Fund?
Eligible projects for the Metis-Dene Development Fund aim to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs and build a robust Northern economy. The grant supports a range of financial services and development programs suitable for individuals and small businesses in the region. Access to Irrevocable Letters of Credit and Loan Guarantees for business ventures.
Provision of Term Loans for long-term business investments.
Offering Working Capital Loans and Lines of Credit to assist with daily operations.
Support through the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Fund for innovative business ideas.
Specialized services under the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program (IWE) to empower women-led enterprises.
Business Support Services providing guidance and resources for operational success.
Who can I contact for more information about the Metis-Dene Development Fund?
You can contact Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF).
Where is the Metis-Dene Development Fund available?
The Metis-Dene Development Fund program is available the province of Northwest Territories.
Is the Metis-Dene Development Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Metis-Dene Development Fund is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Metis-Dene Development Fund?
Metis-Dene Development Fund is funded by Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF)