Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund?

Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund is funded by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Q: Who is eligible for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program?

To be eligible for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program, you must: • Food and agriculture businesses • Cooperatives • Social enterprises

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund?

You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Q: Where is the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund available?

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports food sector initiatives in northern and Indigenous communities

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Program status

Open

Overview

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund provides up to $14.9 million over three years to support food sector projects in Canada's North, including Nunavik, Quebec. The program aims to strengthen local food systems and supply chains through initiatives such as food production, processing, distribution, and the deployment of innovative technologies to improve regional food security.

Financing terms and conditions

Total fund budget of $14.9 million over three years.
In Quebec, $4.08 million is allocated for project delivery.

Activities funded

Launching or expanding the production, processing, and distribution of food products using practical approaches.
Strengthening local and regional food supply chains in northern communities.
Implementing Indigenous, community-led, or innovative projects that improve local or regional food security.
Initiatives focused on enhancing local food systems, increasing food production, or reducing barriers to food access in the North.
Projects aimed at building capacity for local and Inuit food producers or introducing innovative methods in food systems.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 80,000

Renovate a rural cooperative grocery with local food processing space

$ 65,000

Launch a zero-waste food delivery service with electric vehicles

$ 40,000

Upgrade childcare facility with safe, accessible outdoor equipment

$ 50,000

Implement a cloud-based inventory management system for retail chains

$ 45,000

Develop accessible digital platform for seniors’ home exercise programs

$ 55,000

Modernize artisan bakery with energy-efficient ovens and eco-packaging

Eligibility

The applicant must be a food or agriculture business, non-profit organization, sector association, local, regional, or Indigenous organization or government, cooperative, social enterprise, or economic development institution.
The project must aim to strengthen and diversify economic activity in the North, with a focus on local or regional food systems.
Priority is given to Inuit clients for projects that benefit their communities in Nunavik, Quebec.
Eligible projects may involve starting or expanding food production, processing, or distribution, strengthening supply chains, or deploying innovative solutions to improve food security.

Who is eligible?

Food and agriculture businesses
Non-profit organizations
Sector associations
Local, regional, and Indigenous organizations and governments
Cooperatives, social enterprises, and economic development institutions

Eligible geographic areas

Nunavik region in Quebec

How to apply

Consult eligibility criteria

Review eligibility criteria for the NICI Fund
Ensure your organization and project meet the program requirements

Read project submission guidelines

Read the official guidelines for project submission
Familiarize yourself with the required documentation and process

Prepare application documents

Prepare all necessary documents as indicated in the guidelines
Complete your project proposal and ensure it aligns with NICI objectives

Submit your project application

Submit your completed project proposal and required documents following the process described in the guidelines
Ensure all information is accurate and complete

Additional information

The program prioritizes funding access for Inuit clients with projects benefiting their communities.
Information services related to the fund are available only in English and French.
Project proposal intake is currently open.
Stay informed via CED newsletters and updates for ongoing advice and services.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) 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 Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund?

Launching or expanding the production, processing, and distribution of food products using practical approaches. Strengthening local and regional food supply chains in northern communities. Implementing Indigenous, community-led, or innovative projects that improve local or regional food security. Initiatives focused on enhancing local food systems, increasing food production, or reducing barriers to food access in the North. Projects aimed at building capacity for local and Inuit food producers or introducing innovative methods in food systems.