Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Community Economic Development

This grant provides financial assistance to support various economic development activities within local communities, ensuring that key initiatives receive adequate funding to promote regional growth.

• Funding up to $25,000 is available for feasibility studies, strategic plans, evaluations, and planning costs related to economic opportunities.
• Support for the purchase or development of physical infrastructure where its absence restricts business growth.
• Funding for activities that improve access to business information.
• Financial assistance to host and promote community-based festivals and events that showcase NWT products or talent, supporting economic development.
• Equity requirements vary by community group, with Group 1 communities needing a 30% contribution of project costs and Group 2 communities requiring a 20% contribution.

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.

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to NWT-based associations, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations. The eligible areas include specific communities as outlined by the funding body's regional focus in the Northwest Territories.

• Yellowknife
• Hay River
• Fort Smith
• Inuvik
• All other communities within the Northwest Territories (NWT)

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

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.