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Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund - Nunavut - Canada
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Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund

Funding for Nunavut economic development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Nunavut, Canada

Overview

Financial contributions to Nunavut organizations for events, professional development and training, and infrastructure that supports economic development in strategic sectors.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Start a business
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Nunavut
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
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 Strategic Investments Program aimed at building Nunavut’s economic foundations supports various projects promoting economic development and community growth. Eligible initiatives focus on creating measurable benefits such as job creation and training opportunities.

  • Projects designed to stimulate local economies and reinforce regional economic development in key sectors.
  • Initiatives offering training, education, and professional development to Nunavut residents.
  • Events and activities aimed at fostering community engagement and development.
  • Construction and enhancement of physical assets within the community to support economic activities.

Official resources

Official page

strategic investments program

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

This program is designed to assist businesses that are majority-owned by Nunavut residents, municipalities, not-for-profit corporations, and societies. Businesses can receive contributions for expansion or start-up costs, while municipalities, not-for-profits, and societies can receive funding for training, marketing, and community development purposes. The program is divided into two primary funds: the Nunavut Business Investment Fund, which focuses on business ventures with economic development outcomes, and the Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund, which supports projects with tangible economic development benefits, such as job creation and training opportunities, in addition to community and regional economic development.

Who is not eligible

La subvention est spécifique à certaines industries et ne couvre pas toutes les entreprises. Certaines compagnies non-éligibles peuvent inclure :

  • Les entreprises du secteur financier
  • Les compagnies de jeu et de paris
  • Les organismes gouvernementaux

Eligible expenses

The Strategic Investments Program in Nunavut facilitates economic growth by funding business expansion, start-up endeavors, and community projects. The activities eligible for this grant are focused on economic initiatives and development projects within the region.

  • Business start-up costs and expansion initiatives for businesses majority-owned by Nunavut residents.
  • Community development projects for municipalities, not-for-profits, and societies.
  • Training programs and marketing strategies development.
  • Projects that present measurable economic development benefits, such as job creation and training opportunities.
  • Development of physical community assets that support regional economic growth.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas as outlined by the Government of Nunavut's regional offices. The eligible regions encompass various parts of Nunavut, ensuring support for local economic development.

  • Kitikmeot (Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Taloyoak)
  • Kivalliq (Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Whale Cove, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Naujaat)
  • North Qikiqtaaluk (Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Igloolik, Sanirajak)
  • South Qikiqtaaluk (Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, Iqaluit, Kinngait, Kimmirut, Sanikiluaq)

Selection criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Strategic Investments Program. These criteria are used to assess the viability and potential impact of the proposed business ventures and community projects.

  • Economic development outcomes
  • Complementarity and attraction of Debt Financing and/or Equity Investment
  • Measurable tangible economic development benefits (e.g., jobs, training opportunities)
  • Support for regional economic development in key sectors of Nunavut's economy
  • Contribution to community economies
  • Events, professional development, education and training
  • Development or improvement of physical community assets

How to apply

  • Step 1: Contact Regional Office
    • Identify the regional office responsible for your area in Nunavut (Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, North Qikiqtaaluk, South Qikiqtaaluk, or Headquarters).
    • Contact the Manager of Community Economic Development for initial guidance and to clarify any questions regarding the application process.
  • Step 2: Obtain Application Form
    • Request the application form for either the Nunavut Business Investment Fund (NBIS) or the Nunavut Economic Foundations Schedule (NEFS), based on your project needs.
    • Ensure you have the correct and latest version of the application form.
  • Step 3: Prepare Application
    • Provide detailed information about your business or project, including objectives, economic development outcomes, and how the funds will be used.
    • Gather necessary supporting documents such as financial statements, project plans, letters of support, and any other required documentation.
  • Step 4: Complete Application
    • Fill out the application form thoroughly, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.
    • Review the application for any errors or missing information before submission.
  • Step 5: Submit Application
    • Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents to the relevant regional office either by mail, fax, or in-person.
    • Ensure submission is done before any specified deadlines to avoid disqualification.
  • Step 6: Confirmation
    • Follow up with the regional office to confirm receipt of your application.
    • Keep any confirmation number or documentation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional details worth noting for this grant application:

  • Contact regional offices as per your geographic location for tailored assistance and guidance.
  • The program divides contributions between two funds, providing strategic financial support for different needs.
  • The funding is structured to complement other forms of financing like Debt Financing and/or Equity Investment.
  • The program seeks to create tangible economic development benefits such as job creation and training opportunities.
  • Consider submitting applications to both NBIS and NEFS, depending on whether your project is a direct business venture or community and regional development initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund Program

What is the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund?

Financial contributions to Nunavut organizations for events, professional development and training, and infrastructure that supports economic development in strategic sectors.

Who is eligible for the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund program?

To be eligible for the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund program, you must: The business must be majority-owned by Nunavut residents. Eligible entities include municipalities, not-for-profit corporations, and societies. Projects must be of an economic development nature with measurable benefits.

What expenses are eligible under Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund?

The Strategic Investments Program aimed at building Nunavut’s economic foundations supports various projects promoting economic development and community growth. Eligible initiatives focus on creating measurable benefits such as job creation and training opportunities. Projects designed to stimulate local economies and reinforce regional economic development in key sectors. Initiatives offering training, education, and professional development to Nunavut residents. Events and activities aimed at fostering community engagement and development. Construction and enhancement of physical assets within the community to support economic activities.

Where is the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund available?

The Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund program is available the province of Nunavut.

Is the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund is a Other Support

Who are the financial supporters of the Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund?

Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Economic Foundations Fund is funded by Government of Nunavut, Department of Economic Development and Transportation (NU) (NNI)