Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development
Funding for community economic development in the NWT
Latest source updateLast Update: April 18, 2026Latest change: SEED Community Economic Development now excludes arts and film projects after April 1, 2026, and the application documents and activity wording were updated.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 18, 2026
Latest change: SEED Community Economic Development now excludes arts and film projects after April 1, 2026, and the application documents and activity wording were updated.
SEED Community Economic Development updated
SEED Community Economic Development now includes a dated notice that arts and film projects will no longer be funded after April 1, 2026, and the community event language has been narrowed. The application packet was also refreshed with updated form and policy documents, which may affect the materials applicants need to submit. The brochure content also removes film-related and arts-related references from the eligible activities and support lists, while keeping the funding amount and annual window unchanged.
Funding available
$ 25,000
Deadline
March 31, 2025
Opened April 1, 2024
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
Local communities and organizations in the Northwest Territories can access up to $25,000 for community economic development projects. The program supports feasibility studies, infrastructure, business information access, and community events that promote economic opportunities.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community feasibility and strategic planning projects.
- Community infrastructure development linked to business growth.
- Projects that improve access to business information.
- Community events and festivals that promote local economic development.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal or business plan
- Project cost quotations
- Permits, other licences, and requirements
- Two million dollars comprehensive general liability insurance, where required, and NWT Corporate Registries and/or proof of compliance (certificate) for NWT associations only
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NWT associations
- Municipalities
- Indigenous organizations
- Band councils
- Community councils
Eligible expenses
- Feasibility studies, strategic plans, evaluations, and planning costs.
- Purchase or development of physical infrastructure.
- Improving access to business information.
- Planning and promotion of community events tied to economic development.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Infrastructure responsibilities of other levels of government.
- Land assembly or residential land development.
- Projects that benefit only one business.
Eligible geographic areas
- Yellowknife
- Hay River
- Fort Smith
- Inuvik
- All other communities within the Northwest Territories
Selection criteria
- Projects may be funded when they are deemed to provide the greatest economic benefit to the Northwest Territories.
How to apply
- Step 1: Discuss your idea with the regional Economic Development Officer.
- Step 2: Complete the application form and gather all required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the completed application to your regional office.
Processing and Agreement
- Regional Superintendents receive and evaluate regional applications, while the Director of Business Support and Trade handles applications involving NWT-wide activities or activities involving two or more regions.
- Applications may be approved or declined after evaluation.
- Approved recipients enter into a Contribution Agreement with specific terms and conditions.
- Recipients must agree to public disclosure, account for funding received, and demonstrate acceptable results for the project.
- Applicants who fail to meet their commitments under the Contribution Agreement must repay the contribution assistance.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development Program
What is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development?
Local communities and organizations in the Northwest Territories can access up to $25,000 for community economic development projects. The program supports feasibility studies, infrastructure, business information access, and community events that promote economic opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development program?
To be eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development program, you must:
The applicant must be an NWT-based association, municipality, Indigenous organization, band council, or community council.
What expenses are eligible under Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development?
Community feasibility and strategic planning projects.
Community infrastructure development linked to business growth.
Projects that improve access to business information.
Community events and festivals that promote local economic development.
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development?
You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) or by phone at 867-587-7171.
Where is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development available?
The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development program is available the province of Northwest Territories.