Self-Employment Program
NT, Canada
Money and training for self-employment in NWT
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Department of Education (YK)
- Culture and Employment (YK)
- Government of the Northwest Territories
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Access up to 52 weeks of financial support, business information, orientation sessions, and business planning assistance to start your own business.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program is specifically designed for individuals who reside in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It aims to support new business ventures within this geographical area.
- Northwest Territories, Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$26,000
Launching a social economy enterprise to provide renewable energy solutions
$26,000
Starting a non-financial cooperative providing shared office spaces
$26,000
Opening a specialty bakery specializing in gluten-free products
$26,000
Opening a vegan restaurant specializing in locally sourced ingredients
$26,000
Establishing a tech startup focusing on AI-driven financial solutions
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this program is determined by specific requirements related to the individual's residency, age, and status in Canada.
- The individual must reside in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
- The individual must be of school leaving age, which is 16 years old or older.
- The individual must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and entitled to work in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Individuals eligible for the Self-Employment Program must reside in the Northwest Territories (NWT), be at least 16 years old, and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person authorized to work in Canada. They must also be starting a small business or taking over an existing business in which they did not previously have ownership, and not have held a business licence for more than three months or participated in the self-employment program in the last five years.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This program provides support to individuals embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys in the NWT, focusing on both new ventures and the acquisition of existing businesses. Eligible activities foster full-time dedication to these enterprises, under specific conditions and guidance.
- Starting a new small business, where the applicant becomes a full-time entrepreneur.
- Taking over an existing business without prior ownership experience, committing to full-time engagement.
- Receiving business counselling to assess and mitigate financial risks and enhance prospects for success.
- Engaging with Career Development Officers for personalized action plans and readiness assessments.
- Participating in orientation sessions and ongoing support from a Business Expert.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is available to individuals residing in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It specifically targets those living within the region who meet the eligibility criteria for the Self-Employment Program.
- Northwest Territories
- Beaufort Delta
- Dehcho
- North Slave
- Sahtu
- South Slave - Fort Smith
- South Slave - Hay River
grant_single_labels|criteria
For the Self-Employment Program in the Northwest Territories, applicants are evaluated based on residency, age, and immigration status. The evaluation criteria include:
- Reside in the NWT
- Be of school leaving age (16 years old or older)
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person entitled to work in Canada
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact ECE Regional Service Centre
- Identify your local ECE Regional Service Centre for guidance on the application process.
- Contact the Centre to express interest in the Self-Employment Program.
- Step 2: Submit Initial Application
- Complete the application form provided by the ECE Regional Service Centre.
- Submit the completed application form to the Career Development Officer (CDO) at your ECE Regional Service Centre.
- Step 3: Develop Career Action Plan
- Work with the CDO on educational and career planning processes.
- Create an action plan that includes financial needs and implications of entrepreneurship.
- Step 4: Self-employment Readiness Assessment
- CDO evaluates the readiness for self-employment activities as part of the application process.
- Understand the role of the Business Expert through discussions with the CDO.
- Step 5: Attend Self-Employment Orientation
- Attend an orientation session with a referred Business Expert for the self-employment initiative.
- Initial assessment conducted by the Business Expert to gauge your business plan feasibility.
- Step 6: Await Program Approval
- The CDO reviews feedback from the Business Expert.
- Receive final approval status from the CDO regarding program acceptance.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is designed to support individuals for up to 52 weeks with a financial cap of $26,000.
- Participants receive career counselling from Career Development Officers throughout the process.
- A Business Expert plays a vital role in the support structure for individuals pursuing self-employment, offering guidance through orientation and assessment.
grant_single_labels|contact
(867)
Apply to this program
Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories
The Self-Employment Program, offered by the Government of the Northwest Territories, provides essential support to individuals eager to start or take over a small business. This program aims to cultivate entrepreneurship by offering financial assistance and expert guidance, thereby nurturing the growth of local businesses.
In-Depth Insight into the Self-Employment Program
The Self-Employment Program by the Government of the Northwest Territories presents a remarkable opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into reality. Recognizing the pivotal role small businesses play in driving economic growth and community development, this program offers comprehensive support packages to eligible individuals who are committed to building a sustainable business within the region.
To participate in the program, individuals must have been residing in the Northwest Territories and be ready to dedicate themselves full-time to their entrepreneurial endeavor. Aimed at new business initiatives or the takeover of existing ones, eligibility extends provided the applicant has not previously held a business license for longer than three months or been a part of this self-employment initiative in the last five years. This approach ensures fresh entrepreneurial talent is consistently fostered, thereby encouraging a diversified and resilient local economy.
Beyond just financial backing, which can be as much as $26,000 over a span of 52 weeks, the program incorporates rigorous support systems that leverage both financial assessments and individual counseling. Candidates will initially interact with Career Development Officers (CDOs) who assist in scrutinizing the business idea’s sustainability, identifying necessary resources, and evaluating potential risks. This targeted support is essential in navigating the often complex pathway to entrepreneurship.
Upon establishing a viable business concept, participants are introduced to a Business Expert. This vital mentorship phase involves a self-employment orientation session where the Business Expert evaluates the applicant’s comprehensive business strategy. The expert's role is to ensure that each prospective business owner is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and grow their business effectively.
The procedural approach of having Career Development Officers and Business Experts work in tandem not only strengthens the likelihood of successful business launches but also fosters an ecosystem where collaborative growth is prioritized. This mentorship aspect allows for ongoing dialogue and learning opportunities which are crucial for adapting to market changes and challenges.
Participants in the program also benefit from a customized Career Action Plan, formulated in consultation with the CDO. This document acts as an action framework, outlining steps toward goal achievement, addressing potential hurdles, and structuring progressive stages of business development. The action plan enables aspirants to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and implement strategies that enhance business viability.
Availability of the program throughout the year means there is flexibility for applicants to enter at a time that best suits their individual circumstances and business requirements. By removing application deadlines, the Government ensures that access to entrepreneurship support remains unhindered, reflective of real-world dynamics where the timing of business opportunities can be unpredictable yet crucial.
The Self-Employment Program thus embodies a significant initiative from the Government of the Northwest Territories aimed at creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through sustained support and strategic guidance, individuals who partake in this program are well-positioned not only to launch their enterprises but to thrive, contributing to the broader economic fabric of the territory. As businesses grow, they forge new opportunities, stimulate job creation, and bolster the economic resilience of their communities.
