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Self-Employment Program
Money and training for self-employment in NWT
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
$ 26,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Yukon, Canada
Overview
Access up to 52 weeks of financial support, business information, orientation sessions, and business planning assistance to start your own business.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 26,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Yukon
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
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.
What is the Self-Employment Program?
Access up to 52 weeks of financial support, business information, orientation sessions, and business planning assistance to start your own business.
How much funding can be received?
Self-Employment Program Funds up to $26,000 of admissible expenses.
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.
What expenses are eligible under Self-Employment Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Program?
You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
Where is the Self-Employment Program available?
The Self-Employment Program program is available the province of Yukon.
Is the Self-Employment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Self-Employment Program is a Grant and Funding
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