
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NT, Canada
Money for strategic projects in Northwest Territories
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $75,000
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Access up to $75,000 to make large investments in your company in order to expand and grow your business and partake in major economic development projects that meet established criteria.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant facilitates strategic economic growth by providing substantial financial support to businesses, incentivizing large-scale investments with specific fiscal conditions based on project scope and impact.
- Funding of up to $75,000 for investments that increase local community business activities.
- Priority given to projects that invest in technology and innovation.
- Equity requirements are set at 30% for Group 1 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik) and 20% for Group 2 communities (all other NWT communities).
- Projects must leverage external funding sources beyond the Government of Northwest Territories.
Activities funded
The SEED — Strategic Investments grant assists NWT businesses in making significant investments to expand and grow by directly benefiting local communities. Eligible projects focus on increasing business activities and enhancing employment opportunities.
- Investments that directly increase business and economic activity in the local community or communities.
- Investments that directly result in increased employment outcomes in the local community or communities.
- Projects that leverage funding sources outside the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT).
- Investments consistent with Department strategies and/or regional economic development plans.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 75,000
Launch a community technology hub to provide digital skills training
$ 65,000
Establish an artisan cooperative for handmade crafts
$ 70,000
Expand bakery's production capacity to meet growing demand
$ 65,000
Develop a small wind farm to supply renewable energy to Regina
$ 70,000
Launch a local organic food market to support farmers
$ 50,000
Upgrade fishing equipment to support sustainable practices
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Strategic Investments grant requires the applicant to meet specific criteria related to business registration and geographical location.
- The applicant must be a business located in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Who is eligible?
The Strategic Investments program is specifically designed for businesses located in the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada. This program targets NWT businesses that seek to make significant investments to expand and grow their business operations.
Eligible expenses
The Strategic Investments program supports large investments made by NWT businesses to boost economic activity and employment in local communities. Projects that prioritize technology and innovation are given precedence.
- Projects that directly increase the business and economic activity of the local community, or communities.
- Initiatives that directly result in increased employment outcomes in the local community, or communities.
- Investments that leverage funding sources outside the Government of Northwest Territories.
- Projects that align with Department strategies and/or regional economic development plans.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to businesses operating in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Eligibility is based on the business's location within this particular region.
- Yellowknife
- Hay River
- Fort Smith
- Inuvik
- All other communities within the Northwest Territories
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under the Strategic Investments program focus on maximizing economic and employment outcomes in the Northwest Territories.
- Directly increase the business and economic activity of the local community, or communities.
- Directly result in increased employment outcomes in the local community, or communities.
- Leverage funding sources outside the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT).
- Demonstrate consistency with Department strategies and/or regional economic development plans.
- Priority given to projects investing in technology and innovation.
How to apply
1
Initial Consultation
- Contact your regional Economic Development Officer.
- Discuss your business idea and the potential fit for the Strategic Investments program.
2
Application Preparation
- Complete the SEED Application Form.
- Gather all required documents as listed in the application checklist.
3
Application Submission
- Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to your regional office.
- Verify submission with the regional office to ensure receipt of your application.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The application period starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 annually, allowing businesses to plan submissions within this timeframe.
- It is recommended to have a discussion with a regional Economic Development Officer, which may provide valuable insights and additional support.
- A minimum equity requirement varies by community, potentially affecting the overall project budget.
Contacts
867-587-7171
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments. 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) — Strategic Investments?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments?
Who is eligible for the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments?
Where is the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments available?

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