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Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support
Funding for NWT entrepreneurs and small businesses
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2024
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
Financial assistance of up to $25,000 for start-up, capital asset acquisition, market and product development, and operational support. Arts and film projects are no longer funded through SEED as of April 1, 2026.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2024
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal or business plan
- Project cost quotations
- Business licence and financial statements
- Required permits, licences, or compliance documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NWT businesses
- NWT entrepreneurs
Who is not eligible
- Businesses outside the Northwest Territories
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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Arts and film projects
- Internal costs not directly related to the project
- Non-arm’s-length transactions
- Real estate purchased for speculative purposes
- Assets previously purchased with Government of the NWT or Government of Canada assistance
Eligible geographic areas
- Yellowknife
- Hay River
- Fort Smith
- Inuvik
- All other communities in the Northwest Territories
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the regional office or the Director of Business Support and Trade, depending on the project scope.
- Applications are assessed and may be approved or declined.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision and approved eligible costs.
- A contribution agreement is required and sets the terms and conditions of funding.
- Applicants may appeal a decision in writing within 30 days.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support?
Financial assistance of up to $25,000 for start-up, capital asset acquisition, market and product development, and operational support. Arts and film projects are no longer funded through SEED as of April 1, 2026.
How much funding can be received?
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support Funds up to 20% 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) — Entrepreneur Support program?
To be eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support program, you must:
NWT Businesses and entrepreneurs are eligible to apply.
What expenses are eligible under Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support?
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) — Entrepreneur Support available?
The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support program is available the province of Northwest Territories.