Closed
Source verified March 3, 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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
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
- Required permits, licences, or other approvals
- Supporting financial statements or equivalent
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NWT-based associations
- Municipalities in the Northwest Territories
- Indigenous organizations in the NWT
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
- Need, benefit, sustainability, and shared risk are key principles.
- Applications are assessed for timeliness, objectivity, and transparency.
- Projects should align with community economic development goals.
- Community impact and economic benefit are considered.
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
- Applications are reviewed by the regional office or the Director of Business Support and Trade, depending on the scope.
- Applications may be approved or declined after evaluation.
- Contribution agreements and follow-up are managed after approval.
- Results and financial reporting, monitoring, and assessment may follow funding.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- It is advised to contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your project idea before drafting your proposal, which can be crucial for guidance and support.
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 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
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:
NWT-based organization
Supports economic development
Required documents included
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.