Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) — Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Canada
Financial support for Indigenous businesses in the territories
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CANNOR)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is designed for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses operating in Canada's northern regions. Eligible geographical areas are specified to ensure regional economic development and support for Indigenous business growth.
- Nunavut (Qikiqtaaluk)
- Nunavut (Kivalliq)
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,600
Promoting entrepreneurship in an Indigenous community
$36,000
Enhancing access to capital for an Indigenous fishing business
$72,000
Establishing a new Indigenous restaurant with traditional cuisine
$54,000
Establishing a new Indigenous arts and crafts store
$67,500
Expanding an Indigenous tourism company focusing on eco-tours
$36,000
Expanding an existing Indigenous craft studio
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in the territories.
- The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous business.
- The business or project must be located within the territories.
- The proposed activities must aim to establish or grow the Indigenous business.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous businesses seeking to establish or grow their operations, with support from regional Service Delivery Partners (SDPs) to facilitate access to capital and local economic opportunities in the northern territories of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:
- Non-Indigenous businesses
- Companies operating outside of the territories (Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon)
- Businesses not focused on Indigenous entrepreneurship or development
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program aims to support the growth and establishment of Indigenous businesses. Activities eligible for this grant focus on enhancing business capacity and facilitating economic opportunities.
- Business planning and management skills development.
- Marketing and market development initiatives.
- Access to business financing and capital resources.
- Support for business infrastructure and technology adoption.
- Training and mentorship programs for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Demonstrated potential for business viability and growth
- Alignment with the program objectives to promote entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities
- Ability to enhance access to capital for Indigenous businesses
- Overall impact on local and regional economic opportunities
grant_single_labels|register
- 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
operations@cannor.gc.ca
867-873-9341
Apply to this program
Fostering Indigenous Business Growth in the North
The Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program under the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) is dedicated to facilitating Indigenous entrepreneurship and business establishment in Canada’s northern territories. The program provides project-based support to enhance capital access, nurture a supportive business environment, and expand local economic opportunities across various sectors.
Unlocking Potential with the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Program
The Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program plays a crucial role in bolstering Indigenous economic growth across Canada’s northern territories by supporting the establishment and expansion of Indigenous businesses. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these remote regions, the EBD program provides tailored support designed to meet the specific needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners.
Through a strategic focus on enhancing access to capital and promoting a supportive entrepreneurial environment, the program empowers Indigenous communities to tap into local and regional economic opportunities. With a commitment to growing the number of viable Indigenous businesses, the EBD ensures that Indigenous entrepreneurs are equipped not only with financial resources but also with knowledge, mentorship, and strategic guidance necessary for sustainable growth.
The program's delivery is designed to be accessible and impactful, with regional Service Delivery Partners (SDPs) acting as localized conduits for application assistance and program administration. Key partners include the Kakivak Association and the Kivalliq Inuit Association in Nunavut, the Metis Dene Development Fund in the Northwest Territories, and däna Näye Ventures in Yukon. These organizations bring vital local expertise and engagement that is instrumental in successfully reaching entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the application process effectively.
By fostering entrepreneurship, EBD contributes to a more resilient economic landscape where Indigenous businesses can thrive. This approach not only creates jobs but also enhances the socio-economic fabric of Indigenous communities by aligning business growth with cultural values and sustainability principles. The holistic support structure provided by EBD ensures that businesses are not just surviving, but are well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities in various sectors such as technology, natural resources, tourism, and more.
Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on improving access to capital addresses a significant barrier faced by many Indigenous entrepreneurs. Through its project-based funding model, EBD facilitates the bridging of financial gaps, allowing businesses to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, innovation, and skills development. This financial empowerment is fundamental in helping Indigenous businesses scale and compete effectively in the wider economy.
In addition to the direct financial support, the EBD program encourages a collaborative ecosystem where Indigenous entrepreneurs can network, share experiences, and access technical support tailored to their unique challenges. This community-centric model not only fosters innovation but also strengthens the overall entrepreneurial climate, making it more conducive for new and existing businesses to flourish.
Ultimately, the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Program is a cornerstone of Canada's commitment to advancing Indigenous economic autonomy and prosperity. By nurturing Indigenous entrepreneurship in the northern territories, EBD not only supports individual business success but also contributes to the broader aim of reconciliation and shared prosperity. This is achieved by empowering Indigenous communities to chart their economic futures proactively and sustainably, ensuring that economic growth remains inclusive and reflective of Indigenous aspirations.
