How much funding can be received?

SEED’s Entrepreneur Support program provides flexibility in funding through various targeted categories, emphasizing strategic investments in small business growth and development. Each category offers unique support mechanisms tailored to specific business needs.

Startup funding covers costs including planning, engineering, and start-up working capital.
Capital asset acquisition is aimed at Level 2 communities to aid in purchasing capital items or leveraging loan financing, ensuring the continuation and efficiency of businesses.
Market and product development funding assists in expanding market reach and includes support for trade show participation and marketing activities.
Operational support funding helps enhance business skills, problem-solving, recovery planning, and provides emergency relief.
Film support covers various aspects such as film development, marketing, promotion, and special partnerships.
Minimum equity requirements vary by community, set at 30% for Group 1 and 20% for Group 2 communities.

Eligible projects & activities

The SEED Entrepreneur Support grant is designed to aid entrepreneurs and small businesses in enhancing their operations through various targeted projects. Eligible activities include funding for startup activities, market expansion, and operational improvements.

Startup activities such as planning, engineering, and initial working capital expenditures.
Acquisition of capital assets in Level 2 communities to support business continuity and employment.
Development and marketing of new products or markets to boost sales of NWT products.
Operational support to increase business skills, solve existing business problems, and develop recovery plans.
Support for film-related activities, including development, marketing, and special partnerships.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Film development and marketing support for a documentary

$ 25,000

Development of an online marketplace for local artisans

$ 25,000

Operational support for a new community theatre

$ 25,000

Launching a new financial cooperative

$ 25,000

Acquisition of new lab equipment for a biotech start-up

$ 25,000

Market development for a new line of eco-friendly products

Eligibility criteria of the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support program

Eligibility for this grant is open to specific groups based on regional location and project contributions.

Applicants must be entrepreneurs or businesses located in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Applicants from Group 1 communities must contribute 30% of project costs as equity.
Applicants from Group 2 communities must contribute 20% of project costs as equity.

Who is eligible?

NWT Businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the Entrepreneur Support program.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:

Companies located outside the Northwest Territories
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Companies not engaged in commercial activities

Eligible expenses

The Entrepreneur Support program offers financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses to facilitate start-up, expansion, and market development across various sectors. The funding supports several key areas to enhance business viability and competitiveness within the NWT.

Start-up Funding: Assistance with planning, engineering, and start-up working capital.
Capital Asset Acquisition: Support for purchasing capital items and leveraging loan financing in Level 2 Communities.
Market and Product Development: Financial help for developing new markets and enhancing product sales.
Operational Support: Funding to increase business skills, address problems, and develop recovery plans.
Support for Film: Assistance in film development, marketing, and special partnerships.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is directed towards businesses and entrepreneurs within specific regions in the Northwest Territories.

Yellowknife
Hay River
Fort Smith
Inuvik
All other communities within the Northwest Territories

Eligibility criteria of the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support program

The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are based on the following:

Demonstrated need for funding
Viability of the proposed project or business
Potential economic impact in the NWT
Ability to create or sustain jobs
Alignment with program objectives and priorities

How to apply to the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support program

Contact Regional Economic Development Officer

Consult with your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your business idea.
Get guidance on the proposal development and application process.

Prepare Your Proposal

Develop your proposal based on the discussions and feedback from the Economic Development Officer.
Ensure alignment with the funding objectives, such as startup funding, capital assets acquisition, or others as applicable.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the SEED Application Form accurately.
Gather all additional documents required as listed in the application checklist.

Submit Application

Submit the completed application form and attached documents to your appropriate regional office.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Funding availability is reviewed annually and subject to budgetary constraints.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the SEED Brochure and SEED Policy documents for comprehensive guidance.
Regional Economic Development Officers can provide personalized advice and support throughout the application process.
Equity requirements differ based on community grouping; it is important to confirm your community's classification when applying.