How much funding can be received?

Associations, band and community councils can apply for up to $25,000 in financial assistance for feasibility plans, infrastructure development, industry strategic plans, events and more.

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This grant targets organizations within specific regions of the Northwest Territories (NWT) in Canada. Regional focus aligns with community and economic development objectives within the territory.

Companies in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik in NWT.
Businesses in other communities within the NWT.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$22,000

Host a community-based festival highlighting Indigenous culture

$23,000

Purchase and develop physical infrastructure for a community center

$22,000

Improve access to business information for entrepreneurs

$24,000

Conduct an evaluation of the economic impact of the tech sector

$20,000

Develop an industry strategic plan for the renewable energy sector

$22,000

Conduct a feasibility study for developing a sustainable tourism sector

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is open to specific organizations based in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The applicant must be an NWT-based association.
The applicant can be a municipality within the NWT.
The applicant may be an Indigenous organization operating in the NWT.

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NWT-based associations, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations are encouraged to apply for funding under the Community Economic Development program.

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The grant program aims to nurture local economies by investing in projects that leverage community resources and promote regional development. It supports a variety of activities essential for economic growth and community engagement.

Feasibility studies, strategic plans, evaluations, and planning costs that explore economic opportunities and enhance community resources.
The acquisition or enhancement of physical infrastructure where the absence of such assets limits business development.
Initiatives to improve access to business information, aiding communities in making informed economic decisions.
Planning and hosting of community-based events that showcase local products or talents and drive economic development in the region.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the community economic development initiatives.

Feasibility studies, strategic plans, evaluations, and planning costs related to economic opportunities.
Purchase or development of physical infrastructure necessary for business development.
Initiatives aimed at improving access to business information.
Hosting and promoting community-based festivals and events that contribute to economic development.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation criteria include feasibility studies, infrastructure development, access to business information, and community-based events, while the selection criteria vary based on community grouping.

Feasibility studies, strategic plans, evaluations, and planning costs
Purchase or further development of physical infrastructure
Improving access to business information
Hosting and promoting community-based festivals and events

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Preliminary Discussion
- Contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your project idea.
- Receive guidance on proposal development and eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Download and complete the SEED Application Form available on the program's website.
- Prepare all supporting documents as specified in the application checklist.
Step 3: Submitting the Application
- Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to your regional office.
- Ensure submission is made before the funding period closes on March 31st.

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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.

grant_single_labels|contact

867-587-7171

Apply to this program

Enhance Community Initiatives with the Community Economic Development Program

The Community Economic Development program offers up to $25,000 in funding to support local community efforts to boost economic growth and host events that highlight unique local talent and products. This grant is available to municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and associations within the Northwest Territories, aiming to foster broader economic opportunities.

Dive Into the Community Economic Development Program: Opportunities and Requirements

The Community Economic Development Program is a funding initiative designed to promote economic growth and sustainable development across communities in the Northwest Territories (NWT). It offers financial support to projects that focus on leveraging existing community assets and exploring new ventures that can stimulate local economies. The program recognizes four primary categories for funding applicants can consider: feasibility studies, strategic planning for investigating economic opportunities, physical infrastructure improvement to remove barriers to business development, enhancing access to business information, and the facilitation of community-based events such as festivals that elevate NWT's unique talents and products.

Each year, from April 1 to March 31, this program provides eligible applicants with funding up to $25,000, helping to offset project costs while requiring a minimum equity contribution depending on the community group classification. Group 1 communities, which include major centers like Yellowknife and Hay River, must contribute at least 30% of the project costs, whereas Group 2 communities, which encompass all other smaller communities, are expected to cover 20% of the costs. This approach ensures that each community invests in its future, enhancing project accountability and local ownership.

The financial support extended by this program is intended to bridge existing gaps in community resources and aid in necessary infrastructure development, thereby promoting business expansion and innovation. Additionally, a key aspect of this funding model is supporting events that not only celebrate local culture and talent but also serve as a platform for local economic opportunities, further integrating community identity with economic initiatives.

Applicants are encouraged to first consult with a regional Economic Development Officer to refine and align their project proposals with the program's objectives. This initial step is crucial as it helps to ensure proposals are well-developed and meet eligibility requirements, thereby increasing chances of funding approval. After planning discussions, applicants must fill out the application form, attach all required documentation as outlined in the SEED (Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development) Application checklist, and submit them to the relevant regional office for processing.

The benefits of this program are multifaceted, offering communities a strategic opportunity to strengthen local economies through collaboration and investment in projects that bring tangible benefits. By investing in both infrastructure and community initiatives that highlight regional capabilities, the Community Economic Development program not only supports immediate economic activities but also sets the stage for sustainable growth and resilience against future economic challenges.

For communities within the NWT, the Community Economic Development Program represents a vital component of regional economic policy, encouraging innovative thinking and collaborative projects. By fostering environments where local enterprises can thrive and expand, the program plays an essential role in driving long-term prosperity, ensuring that the economic activities are well-aligned with the cultural and social identity of each community.