Diversity and Extension
$22,500.00
Grant
Description:
The Diversity and Extension program supports eligible training and educational programs that build agriculture and agri-food competencies in the NWT. The objective is to build sector diversity and inclusion, and address barriers to entry experienced by Indigenous peoples and underrepresented and marginalized groups. Opportunities for new entrants into the sector to gain knowledge and experience in northern agriculture through mentorships/internships with established members of the sector.
Comments on Funding:
Funding maximums for:
1. Business planning (consultant services) and business software:
– up to $5,000 ($100 applicant contribution for every $1,000 in funding);
– above $5,000: up to 75% of costs, $20,000 program lifetime maximum.
2. Internships/mentorships for Streams 1 and 2 is up to 75% of intern wages to maximum of $7,500 per year and $22,500 program lifetime.
Total project cost:
Stream 1: Commercial Producers, Processors, Harvesters and other Agri-Businesses (including Indigenous-owned businesses)
1. Funding will be provided for up to 75% of project costs unless otherwise specified, with a program lifetime maximum of $125,000*.
2. Major Agricultural Projects may be eligible for up to 75% funding to a maximum of $250,000, with third party analysis of a business plan.
Stream 2: New Entrants and Small Businesses
1. New Entrants and small businesses (stream 2) are eligible for a maximum of $30,000 in funding in two phases:
a) Phase 1: Up to $10,000 (cumulative) for activities including, but not limited to: initial start-up costs, business planning, training, and development of agri-environmental plans.
b) Phase 2: Upon completion of a business plan, up to $20,000 of additional funding to implement priority components identified in the business plan.
Additional funding within the Sustainable CAP program will be subject to the applicant having reported a minimum of $10,000 in farm or business income to the Canada Revenue Agency or enrollment in AgriStability.*
2. Expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of 75% of project costs unless otherwise specified.
March 2028
Eligibility:
Applicants for Stream 1: Commercial Producers, Processors, Harvesters and other Agri-Businesses (including Indigenous-owned businesses):
1. Must be a registered business in the NWT and have been in operation in the NWT for at least one year. Registration or incorporation under relevant legislation is required.
2. Must be recognized as a legal entity capable of entering into a contractual agreement and be in good standing with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
3. Must have reported at least $10,000 in farming income or business income to the Canada Revenue Agency within the previous year.
4. Projects may require submission of a business plan prior to funding approval.
5. All businesses from which goods or services are purchased must be at Arm’s Length from the applicant, meaning not immediate family member(s) of the applicant (connected by blood relationship, adoption, marriage or common law partnership), not business affiliates of the applicant, or controlled in any way by the applicant.
6. Family members from the same farm, company, corporation or partnership shall be eligible as one individual, and not as separate recipients.
Applicants for Stream 2: New Entrants and Small Businesses:
1. Must be a registered business in the NWT. Registration or incorporation under relevant legislation is required.
2. Farm or business is in a planning or development stage (has not reported more than $10,000 in income)*.
3. All businesses from which goods or services are purchased must be at Arm’s Length from the applicant, meaning not immediate family member(s) of the applicant (connected by blood relationship, adoption, marriage or common law partnership), not business affiliates of the applicant, or controlled in any way by the applicant.
4. Family members from the same farm, company, corporation or partnership shall be eligible as one individual, and not as separate recipients.
*Once the $30,000 Stream 2 funding threshold has been reached, applications from businesses that report less than $10,000 in annual farm or business income may still be considered. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether there has been extenuating circumstances why the applicant has not been able to develop their agriculture or food production operation and reach $10,000 in income.
Eligible activities:
1. Skill development to optimize production and improve profitability, including through the adoption of practices that add value and/or credibility.
2. Skill development and service delivery to improve business management, including business and entrepreneur mentoring.
3. Initiatives that foster or generate inclusive opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized groups, and address systemic and other barriers to entry.
4. Strengthening and development of Indigenous-led agriculture and food systems.
5. Agriculture and food processing training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and any other training and learning activities.
6. Learning, training and mentorship initiatives that expand, diversify, or add value to existing NWT agriculture or agri-food businesses.
7. Costs eligible for reimbursement include travel expenses (transportation, accommodations, meals and incidentals per diems), registration fees, course fees, instructor/speaker fees, venue and equipment rental fees and educational materials.
8. Increased marketing and communications efforts that build in diversity, equity and inclusion messaging within the sector.
Application Steps:
Applicants are encouraged to consult with their regional Industry, Tourism and Investment team to understand the application process and ensure their project meets the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership priorities and eligibility criteria.
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must provide the completed application and additional information as requested by the Business Development Officer or Manager.
Other Things to Note:
1. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) supports projects and initiatives that:
– improve sector environmental performance, adaptation to climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
– increase sector capacity and growth across the entire agri-food value chain; and,
– enhance sector resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion, and public trust.
2. The Sustainable CAP NWT has two streams available for businesses:
– Stream 1: Commercial Producers, Processors, Harvesters and other Agri-Businesses (including Indigenous-owned businesses);
– Stream 2: New Entrants and Small Businesses.
3. Funding is available from April 2023 – March 2028.
About the author
Maurice
