Closed
Source verified March 4, 2026
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive
Money for capital purchases in the Northwest Territories
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
March 31, 2024
Opened April 1, 2023
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Who can apply
NWT Businesses can apply to the Capital Expansion Incentive category, and Indigenous organizations, business associations, and municipalities can apply to the Sector Research Support category. Applicants must be involved in designated sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Film, Fishing, Knowledge Economy, Tourism, or Value-added Manufacturing.
See full eligibility
Overview
Get up to $15,000 per year for up to two years to offset loan interest associated with new capital purchases that will allow you to expand your business.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Launch or market a product/service
- Renovate or expand facilities
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
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The SEED program provides funding to support capital expansion and sector research in key industries. The eligible projects aim to defray costs related to new investments, research, and marketing activities to boost sector growth and business expansion.
- Defraying interest costs on loans for new capital purchases and business expansion.
- Conducting sector-specific research or planning that supports the development of the sector.
- Development of sector-specific products and related packaging materials.
- Implementation of sector-specific marketing campaigns to attract investment.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Project proposal or business plan.
- Project cost quotations.
- Required permits, licences, or compliance documents.
- Supporting financial statements.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
NWT Businesses can apply to the Capital Expansion Incentive category, and Indigenous organizations, business associations, and municipalities can apply to the Sector Research Support category. Applicants must be involved in designated sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Film, Fishing, Knowledge Economy, Tourism, or Value-added Manufacturing.Who is not eligible
- Businesses whose proposal would cause market disruption.
- Projects that would effectively benefit only one business under Community Economic Development.
Eligible expenses
This program supports NWT businesses, associations, and communities in their efforts to enhance sector-specific growth and development. Eligible activities focus on capital expansion and sector research to strengthen understanding and presence within designated sectors.
- Defray the cost of investing in new or expanded facilities and equipment for business expansion (Capital Expansion Incentive).
- Offset loan interest associated with new capital purchases for business expansion.
- Conduct sector-specific research or planning to benefit businesses by providing critical developmental information.
- Invest in product development and packaging materials specific to a sector.
- Implement sector-specific marketing campaigns to attract investment.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Infrastructure responsibilities of other levels of government.
- Land assembly or residential land development.
- Projects that benefit only one business.
Eligible geographic areas
- Northwest Territories.
- Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik.
- All other NWT communities.
Selection criteria
- Proposal quality and feasibility.
- Potential economic impact.
- Use of NWT goods and services.
- Past performance in the program.
- Innovation.
How to apply
- Step 1: Consult your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea.
- Step 2: Complete the application form and attach the documents listed in the checklist.
- Step 3: Submit the completed application to your regional office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the regional superintendent or the Director of Business Support and Trade, depending on the scope.
- Applications are assessed against the program criteria, including possible market disruption.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision.
- Approved applications proceed under a contribution agreement.
- Follow-up is carried out for financial reporting, results reporting, monitoring, and assessment.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- It is emphasized to contact the regional Economic Development Officer prior to proposal development for guidance and insights.
- The application period runs annually from April 1 to March 31, allowing for strategic planning.
- The funding is aimed at defraying costs associated with capital expansion and sector-specific research, indicating a focus on long-term development.
- Equity requirements vary by community group, affecting the required investment from applicants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive Program
What is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive?
Get up to $15,000 per year for up to two years to offset loan interest associated with new capital purchases that will allow you to expand your business.
How much funding can be received?
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive 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 Support Capital Expansion Incentive program?
To be eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive program, you must:
NWT businesses can apply to the Capital Expansion Incentive category.
Indigenous organizations, business associations, and municipalities can apply to the Sector Research Support category.
Applicants must be involved in agriculture, energy, film, fishing, knowledge economy, tourism, or value–added manufacturing sectors.
What expenses are eligible under Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive?
The SEED program provides funding to support capital expansion and sector research in key industries. The eligible projects aim to defray costs related to new investments, research, and marketing activities to boost sector growth and business expansion. Defraying interest costs on loans for new capital purchases and business expansion.
Conducting sector-specific research or planning that supports the development of the sector.
Development of sector-specific products and related packaging materials.
Implementation of sector-specific marketing campaigns to attract investment.
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive?
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) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive available?
The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive program is available the province of Northwest Territories.