Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) — Entrepreneurship and Business Development

Get a financial contribution to cover up to 90% of eligible costs when your Indigenous-led organization undertakes a project to expand your business in one of the 3 northern territories.

• A strategic or business plan that addresses use of funds, identification and justification of costs and activities, compliance with laws and regulations, environmental effects and proposed mitigation measures, land tenure requirements, and maintenance
• Documents indicating the interest, need or support for the project by Aboriginal individuals, Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal businesses or Aboriginal organizations
• Relevant documentation related to partnership arrangements and commitments
• Other corporate documents, such as articles of incorporation, by-laws and corporate policies and procedures manuals
• Documentation related to the applicant's legal structure, ownership and control, and dividend policies to determine whether dividends may be paid or distributed

• The project or activity has the potential for generating net economic benefit to Aboriginal people in the territories
• Demonstrated management capacity and business expertise of the eligible recipient in relation to the project
• Ability of the eligible recipient to obtain financing for the project
• The amount of any federal, territorial or municipal assistance or tax credit that is likely to be relevant to the project
• The impact of the proposed project on the environment

• Step 1: Initial Contact
  • Identify and contact the appropriate CanNor approved Service Delivery Partner (SDP) depending on your location.
  • Reach out via email or phone as provided to express your interest in the EBD program and seek assistance with the application process.
• Step 2: Obtain Application Form
  • Email Operations@cannor.gc.ca or contact a regional office to request an official application form for the EBD program.
  • Ensure that you have received all necessary documentation and guidelines for completing the application.
• Step 3: Application Preparation
  • Carefully fill out the application form, including detailed project descriptions, objectives, and expected outcomes.
  • Gather all required supplementary documents, such as business plans or financial statements.
• Step 4: Review and Submit Application
  • Review the application for accuracy and completeness.
  • Submit the completed application form and relevant documents to your chosen SDP or directly to CanNor if instructed.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
  • Wait for a confirmation of receipt from the SDP or CanNor.
  • Maintain contact for any further information or clarification that might be needed during the assessment process.

• Assistance will be administered and paid according to specific funding agreements between the Minister and the recipient.
• Payments will be made based on pre-determined performance expectations or milestones and/or documented claims for eligible costs incurred and paid or financial statements.
• Progress and financial reports will be required from recipients at a minimum on an annual basis, and a final report at the conclusion of a project.
• A process to monitor each project funded under this authority will be developed and managed by the Department.
• Recipients of contributions approved under this program shall give appropriate recognition and acknowledgement of the contribution to the project in all promotional programs, advertising and related publications.

Here are additional relevant details for potential applicants of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program:

• The program may be delivered by regional Service Delivery Partners (SDPs), thereby increasing local and regional access to the program.
• Applicants should connect with one of the CanNor approved SDPs for assistance with their project funding applications.