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Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Money for economic development in the territories
Grant and Funding
Overview
Get financial support covering up to 80% of the costs of a project that helps Indigenous communities improve their capacity to plan for, pursue, and participate in economic opportunities in the northern territories.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
Increasing community impact
Strengthening governance
Develop strategic partnerships
See more
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Activities funded
This grant provides financial support to Indigenous communities to enhance their economic development capabilities. The eligible projects focus on improving community readiness and planning for economic opportunities.
- Preparation and implementation of community economic development plans.
- Development of strategies to access and utilize local and external resources effectively.
- Enhancement of infrastructure to support economic activities in the community.
- Initiatives to increase employment opportunities within the community.
- Promotion of community engagement and capacity building for economic initiatives.
- Support for start-ups and existing community businesses to grow and secure more contracts.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Create a digital platform for Indigenous tourism businesses
$ 88,000
Establish a business incubator to support Indigenous startups
$ 144,000
Build a community center to enhance social and economic development
$ 80,000
Expansion of local Indigenous agricultural enterprises for greater food security
$ 40,000
Develop a local marketing campaign for Indigenous arts and crafts businesses
$ 64,000
Training program to enhance employment skills for Indigenous youth
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant focuses on the applicant's community profile and economic development objectives.
- The applicant must be a First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community located within the three territories of Canada.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the CROP program under the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) are First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and non-status Indigenous communities located in the three territories, namely Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. These communities can apply for financial support to enhance their economic development capacity and to plan for and engage in economic opportunities. CROP aims to benefit Indigenous communities by developing employment, increasing the value of community-controlled resources, and fostering economic growth and infrastructure within the territories.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. They include:
- For-profit organizations
- Foreign entities
- Non-Indigenous communities
Eligible expenses
This grant supports Indigenous communities in the territories to strengthen their economic development capacities and pursue viable economic opportunities. The eligible projects are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, resources, and skill sets to foster economic growth and community resilience.
- Projects that provide training and skills development to increase community employment opportunities.
- Initiatives that enhance the utilization and value of community-controlled resources.
- Development of infrastructure that supports economic activities and enhances community accessibility.
- Projects that aim to generate new revenue streams for community governments through economic initiatives.
- Strategies to access and utilize resources not currently controlled by the community, increasing economic participation.
- Initiatives focused on attracting investment to create a conducive environment for economic growth.
- Support for the creation and expansion of community businesses, generating contracts and sales.
- Capacity-building programs to prepare community governments for future economic opportunities.
- Projects that enhance community infrastructure to support economic development endeavors.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant primarily focuses on economic development within Indigenous communities located in the three territories of Canada. The specific eligible areas include those situated in these northern regions.
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning (CROP) grant:
- Community economic development readiness and potential
- Community readiness to leverage economic opportunities
- Demonstrated need and benefit to the community
- Realistic and achievable project objectives
- Capacity building and sustainability of proposed project
How to apply
1
Contact Program Office
- Reach out to the CROP program via email at Operations@cannor.gc.ca to request an application form.
- Alternatively, contact one of the regional offices by phone for assistance and guidance on the application process.
2
Gather Required Information
- Collect data on the community's current economic status and potential opportunities.
- Compile community resources, governance structures, and past economic development activities.
3
Develop Economic Development Plan
- Create a comprehensive economic development strategy that aligns with CROP objectives.
- Ensure the plan includes steps to increase community employment and resource value.
4
Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form obtained from CROP with detailed information about the proposed plan and expected outcomes.
- Attach all necessary supporting documents such as financial statements and community resolutions.
5
Review and Submit the Application
- Review the completed application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the completed application form and supporting documents via email or mail as instructed by the program office.
6
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email or letter acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Keep this confirmation for your records and future reference.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program aims to maximize Indigenous participation in Canada's overall economic growth and development.
- It encourages partnerships and collaborations between Indigenous communities and other stakeholders for economic projects.
- The funding may support capacity development initiatives like training and skills development complementing economic aspirations.
- The program emphasizes the sustainable use and management of resources under community control.
Contacts
operations@cannor.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning. 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 Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning?
Who is eligible for the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning program?
What expenses are eligible under Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning?
Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning?
Where is the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning available?
Is the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program — Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning a grant, loan, or tax credit?
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