Closed
Source verified March 3, 2026
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support
Funding for sector growth and expansion
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
March 31, 2024
Opened April 1, 2023
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
The program provides up to $30,000 for capital expansion support and up to $25,000 for sector research support. It funds business expansion, sector-specific research, product development, packaging, and marketing initiatives in the Northwest Territories.
/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 : 30,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Investing in new or expanded facilities and equipment.
- Conducting sector-specific research or planning.
- Developing sector-specific products and packaging.
- Launching sector-specific marketing campaigns.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal or business plan
- Project cost quotations
- Business licence, where required
- Financial statements and corporate registry proof, where required
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- NWT businesses
- Indigenous organizations
- Business associations
- Municipalities
Eligible expenses
- Loan interest tied to new capital purchases for business expansion.
- Sector-specific research or planning.
- Sector-specific product development and packaging materials.
- Sector-specific marketing campaigns.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs related to assets previously acquired by the applicant or an associated business.
- Internal costs not directly related to the project.
- Non-arm’s length transactions, including payments to shareholders or immediate family.
- Speculative real estate purchases.
- Assets previously purchased with Government of the NWT or Government of Canada support.
Eligible geographic areas
- Northwest Territories
- Group 1 communities: Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik
- Group 2: all other NWT communities
Selection criteria
- Alignment with designated sectors.
- Demonstrated need for funding.
- Potential economic benefit to the Northwest Territories.
- Equity requirements by community level.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the regional Economic Development Officer
- Discuss the project idea before preparing the proposal.
- Step 2: Complete the application package
- Fill out the application form.
- Attach all documents listed in the application checklist.
- Step 3: Submit to the regional office
- Send the completed application form and attachments to the regional office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the regional office or the Director of Business Support and Trade.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision and any approved eligible costs.
- A contribution agreement is required before funding is provided.
- Applicants may appeal a decision in writing within 30 days.
Additional information
- Funding is available annually from April 1 to March 31.
- Application forms are available from local ITI offices.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support Program
What is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support?
The program provides up to $30,000 for capital expansion support and up to $25,000 for sector research support. It funds business expansion, sector-specific research, product development, packaging, and marketing initiatives in the Northwest Territories.
How much funding can be received?
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support program?
To be eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support program, you must:
NWT businesses may apply for Capital Expansion Incentive support.
Indigenous organizations, business associations, and municipalities may apply for Sector Research Support.
What expenses are eligible under Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support?
Investing in new or expanded facilities and equipment.
Conducting sector-specific research or planning.
Developing sector-specific products and packaging.
Launching sector-specific marketing campaigns.
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support?
You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) or by phone at 867-687-8023.
Where is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support available?
The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support program is available the province of Northwest Territories.