Self-Employment Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Self-Employment Program Funds up to 26000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Self-Employment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self-Employment Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employment Program?

Self-Employment Program is funded by Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Education (YK), Culture and Employment (YK)

Q: Who is eligible for the Self-Employment Program program?

To be eligible for the Self-Employment Program program, you must: • Applicants must reside in the Northwest Territories (NWT). • Applicants must be of school leaving age (16 years old or older). • Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person entitled to work in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Program?

You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories.

Q: Where is the Self-Employment Program available?

The Self-Employment Program program is available the province of YT.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Self-Employment Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Self-Employment Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

YT, Canada

Money and training for self-employment in NWT

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $26,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Access up to 52 weeks of financial support, business information, orientation sessions, and business planning assistance to start your own business.

Financing terms and conditions

The Self-Employment Program provides a structured funding approach aimed at supporting the financial needs of new entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories. The total funding amount and manner of disbursement are designed to facilitate business startup and development over a specified time period.

Total assistance provided through the program does not exceed $26,000 for a period of 52 weeks.
Funding includes all eligible benefits within the maximum amount specified.

Activities funded

The activities eligible for the Self-Employment Program grant are designed to support individuals in starting or acquiring small businesses. This involves full-time commitment and participation in an exploratory and planning phase to ensure the business's potential success.

Assessment of the business idea, including feasibility and market potential analysis.
Personal suitability evaluation for entrepreneurship.
Financial risk assessment to determine the viability of the business.
Development of resources required to start and sustain the business.
Completion of a Career Action Plan with guidance from Career Development Officers.
Orientation sessions with a Business Expert to finalize business planning and readiness.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 26,000

Opening a vegan restaurant specializing in locally sourced ingredients

$ 26,000

Launching a social economy enterprise to provide renewable energy solutions

$ 26,000

Establishing a tech startup focusing on AI-driven financial solutions

$ 26,000

Starting a non-financial cooperative providing shared office spaces

$ 26,000

Opening a specialty bakery specializing in gluten-free products

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

The Self-Employment Program is accessible to eligible individuals residing in the Northwest Territories (NWT). This regional focus supports local entrepreneurial activities.

Residents of the Northwest Territories.

Selection 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

How to apply

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Await Program Approval

The CDO reviews feedback from the Business Expert.
Receive final approval status from the CDO regarding program acceptance.

Additional information

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self-Employment Program. 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.