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Source verified March 6, 2026
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business
Funding for NWT micro-business projects
Latest source updateLast Update: April 18, 2026Latest change: SEED Micro-Business now excludes arts and film projects and updates its application materials.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 18, 2026
Latest change: SEED Micro-Business now excludes arts and film projects and updates its application materials.
SEED Micro-Business scope updated
SEED Micro-Business has been narrowed to remove arts and film projects from the program scope, and the overview and funding examples now focus on traditional economy, prospecting, and other self-employment activities. The document list and application form were also updated, including a new funding application form and revised policy/brochure files.
Funding available
$ 6,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
Micro-businesses in the Northwest Territories can receive up to $6,000 over three years. Funding supports tools, equipment, prospecting supplies, and other self-employment activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 6,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Traditional harvesting activities
- Prospecting activities
- Other self-employment activities
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal or business plan
- Project cost quotations
- Financial statements or equivalent
- Proof of six months residency
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NWT residents
- Entrepreneurs
- Small businesses
- Commercial renewable resource harvesters
Eligible expenses
- Tools and equipment for traditional economy production
- Raw materials for traditional arts and crafts
- Filmmaking equipment
- Prospecting supplies and equipment
- Other expenses directly related to prospecting or self-employment
Eligible geographic areas
- Northwest Territories
- Yellowknife
- Hay River
- Fort Smith
- Inuvik
Selection criteria
- Community equity requirement level.
- Sweat equity may be considered in certain cases.
How to apply
- Step 1: Discuss your idea with your regional Economic Development Officer
- Contact the officer before preparing your proposal.
- Step 2: Complete the application form
- Fill in the SEED application form.
- Step 3: Prepare supporting documents
- Attach the documents listed in the application checklist.
- Step 4: Submit to the regional office
- Send the completed application form and supporting documents to your regional office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants are encouraged to discuss the idea with the regional Economic Development Officer before applying.
- The completed application must be submitted to the regional office.
Additional information
There are specific considerations and potential benefits associated with the Micro Business program grant.
- A maximum of $6,000 can be provided, which can be drawn over a period of three years.
- The grant can cover four key categories related to production and equipment purchase.
- Equity requirements vary by community group, demonstrating flexibility for communities with differing economic standings.
- The program accepts sweat equity in certain circumstances, adding flexibility for applicants.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business Program
What is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business?
Micro-businesses in the Northwest Territories can receive up to $6,000 over three years. Funding supports tools, equipment, prospecting supplies, and other self-employment activities.
How much funding can be received?
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $6,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business program?
To be eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business program, you must:
NWT resident applicants
Entrepreneurs and small businesses
Traditional harvesting or self-employment
What expenses are eligible under Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business?
Traditional harvesting activities
Prospecting activities
Other self-employment activities
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business?
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) — Micro-business available?
The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business program is available the province of Northwest Territories.