CF Northwest Territories: Complete Guide to Community Futures Programs for NWT Entrepreneurs

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is home to a vibrant network of Community Futures organizations that play a key role in strengthening local economies, especially in remote and Indigenous communities. These organizations offer business development support, financing options, and advisory services to help entrepreneurs start, grow, or transition their businesses.

This guide offers an overview of the Community Futures services available to entrepreneurs across the NWT and highlights the unique role these organizations play in empowering Northern communities through locally driven economic development.

What is Community Futures in Northwest Territories?

Community Futures in the NWT refers to a group of locally governed business development organizations that provide funding and advisory services to support entrepreneurship in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. These organizations are part of a larger pan-territorial effort to foster sustainable economic growth, with support from the territorial and federal governments.

Through loans, coaching, and specialized support, these offices help small businesses launch, expand, or adapt to challenges—all while ensuring community-based values and priorities are upheld.

Community Futures Offices in Northwest Territories

There are 6 Community Futures offices in British Columbia that serve a unique geographic and cultural area, with programming tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs. Below we list all of the offices (click the office name to be taken to their website):

Community Futures Programs Overview for Northwest Territories Entrepreneurs

1. Business Loans and Financing

Community Futures organizations across the NWT offer a range of flexible loan options, often tailored to local challenges and the needs of small or Indigenous-owned businesses.

• Business Development Loans: These loans are used for starting a business, purchasing equipment, or expanding operations. Amounts vary by organization but often range from $5,000 to $150,000.
• Microloans: Smaller, accessible loans for early-stage or home-based businesses.
• Youth and Women Entrepreneurs Loans: Special funding options to support underrepresented groups in business.

2. Advisory and Support Services

Beyond financing, these organizations offer free or low-cost support services to help entrepreneurs build capacity and grow confidently.

• Business Planning: One-on-one support in writing business plans, budgeting, and preparing financial forecasts.
• Workshops and Training: Topics may include marketing, bookkeeping, digital tools, and Indigenous entrepreneurship.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Guidance from experienced business advisors or community leaders.

3. Networking Opportunities

Community Futures organizations in the Northwest Territories support strong local business networks by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another:

• Local Business Events: Many offices host or support trade shows, community markets, and business mixers to encourage local engagement and collaboration.
• Peer Mentorship Circles: Some CF offices coordinate peer-to-peer groups for entrepreneurs to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in a supportive environment.
• Workshops & Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Regular in-person or virtual sessions on topics like marketing, cash flow, and business planning provide both learning and networking value.

4. Sector-Specific Support

Each Community Futures office tailors its programs to the needs of local industries and priorities. Sector-focused support includes:

• Tourism: Loans and advisory support for lodges, tour operators, artisans, and cultural experience providers.
• Arts, Media, and Entertainment: Microloans and training for craft makers, artists, and creatives selling locally or online.
• Transportation and Logistics: Help for freight, aviation, and delivery services that connect remote communities.

Getting Started with Community Futures

Interested entrepreneurs and business owners can begin by connecting with their regional office. Here’s how:

1. Find Your Office: Use the list above to identify the organization serving your region.
2. Book a Consultation: Call or email to schedule a meeting with a business development advisor.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Typical applications may require a business plan, proof of residency, cost estimates, and identification.
4. Apply for Funding or Services: Work with your advisor to complete loan applications or access training and mentorship.
5. Stay Connected: Join local events, workshops, or training programs to build your network and develop new skills.

List of Community Futures Programs for Northwest Territories Entrepreneurs

Small Business Loans

These are the primary business loans offered by Community Futures organizations in the NWT, typically up to $150,000. They help finance startup costs, equipment purchases, inventory, working capital, and business expansion. These loans offer flexible repayment schedules, competitive interest rates, and are often paired with personalized business advisory support to increase the chances of success. Available from organizations such as Akaitcho BDC, Thebacha BDS, and Dehcho BDC.

Microloans

Microloans are small-scale financing solutions, generally ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, designed for early-stage or home-based entrepreneurs. They provide accessible capital for supplies, marketing, or small equipment purchases, and feature simplified application processes and flexible terms. This option is ideal for entrepreneurs with limited credit history or those testing new business ideas. Offered by offices like Akaitcho BDC and Dehcho BDC.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

This program supports entrepreneurs with visible or invisible disabilities by offering specialized financing, business training, and one-on-one advisory services. EDP helps remove barriers to entrepreneurship by tailoring support to individual needs and connecting clients to additional resources. Available at select offices such as Akaitcho BDC and Dehcho BDC.

Business Expansion Loans

These loans are intended for established businesses seeking to grow or modernize their operations. Funding can be used for machinery, technology upgrades, renovations, or entering new markets. With flexible terms and local support, these loans help businesses scale sustainably. Offered by Thebacha BDS, Akaitcho BDC, and others.

Business Start-Up Loans

Start-up loans are tailored for new entrepreneurs and cover essential early-stage expenses such as business registration, initial inventory, marketing, and equipment. These loans often come with built-in business coaching to help guide entrepreneurs through the startup phase. Available from Akaitcho BDC, Thebacha BDS, and other regional CF organizations.

Youth Entrepreneurship Support

This program is designed to encourage business ownership among young people aged 18–39. It includes flexible financing options, business mentorship, and referrals to entrepreneurial training opportunities. The program aims to build confidence and capacity among emerging Northern entrepreneurs. Available at select offices such as Dehcho BDC.

Business Advisory & Coaching Services

All CF organizations in the NWT provide free or low-cost business advisory support. Services include business planning, market research, cash flow forecasting, and strategic coaching. Advisors offer personalized guidance tailored to the local economic context and challenges of operating in Northern regions.

Loan Aftercare & Business Monitoring

Community Futures offices continue to work with clients after loans are disbursed, offering follow-up support and business monitoring. Services include regular financial reviews, operational advice, and adjustments to loan terms if needed. This aftercare approach ensures businesses remain sustainable and adaptable. Available from Akaitcho BDC, Thebacha BDS, and Dehcho BDC.

Your Next Steps

CF offices are a valuable resource to aspiring and existing business owners in Northwest Territories, but many entrepreneurs aren’t aware of the funding and in-kind services that they provide.

Use this guide to do two things:

1. Shortlist the funding programs that you may be eligible for; and
2. Find the CF NWT office that’s nearest you and contact them to get started.