Nunavut Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply
Looking for funding to launch or grow your business in Nunavut? This article explores the business grants available in Nunavut, who offers them, how they can be used, and what it takes to qualify.
Whether you’re an Inuit entrepreneur, a small business owner, or building in a remote community, this guide will help you access the financial support you need to move forward.
✅ What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is non-repayable funding provided by governments or non-profit organizations to support specific business activities. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, though they typically come with eligibility criteria, reporting obligations, and defined goals. In Nunavut, grants are often designed to promote entrepreneurship, support Inuit-owned businesses, and strengthen local and regional economies.
✅ Types of Business Grants in Nunavut
Business grants in Nunavut are shaped by regional needs, economic development goals, and cultural priorities. Common types include:
◾ Activity Grants
These grants support specific business activities such as product development, hiring, training, infrastructure upgrades, or expanding services within or beyond the community.
◾ Audience Grants
Many grant programs are specifically aimed at Inuit-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as youth, women, and individuals in remote or underserved areas.
◾ Industry Grants
Nunavut supports sectors that are vital to its economy, including arts and crafts, tourism, fisheries, construction, and resource development. Grants often focus on sustainability, capacity building, and cultural preservation within these sectors.
◾ Regional Grants
Given the unique geography of Nunavut, many grant programs are tailored to the needs of specific communities or regions, often delivered through regional Inuit associations or local development corporations.
✅ What Can a Business Grant be Used for in Nunavut?
Grants in Nunavut can be used for a variety of business activities and investments. Common uses include:
- Hiring and training employees
- Purchasing equipment or upgrading facilities
- Supporting cultural or community-based business initiatives
- Developing and marketing tourism products or local services
- Promoting traditional industries like hunting, fishing, and crafts
- Supporting business development in remote or underserved communities
Many programs are designed to support both individual entrepreneurs and community-based organizations.
✅ How to Qualify for a Business Grant in Nunavut
Eligibility for business grants in Nunavut depends on the program, but businesses generally need to:
- Be based in Nunavut and actively operating or in the planning stages
- Be Inuit-owned or demonstrate benefit to Inuit communities (for many territorial and regional grants)
- Align with the funding program’s goals (e.g. economic development, cultural preservation, job creation)
- Provide an application that outlines your business plan, budget, and expected outcomes
Some programs may prioritize community impact, cultural relevance, or alignment with land claim agreements.
✅ Alternatives to Business Grants in Nunavut
If you’re not eligible for a grant, or you’re looking for other funding options, Nunavut offers several alternatives:
◾ Subsidies
Programs that help reduce hiring, transportation, or training costs — particularly in support of youth employment or capacity building in remote communities.
◾ Government Loans
Low-interest or flexible-term loans are available through agencies like the Nunavut Development Corporation, Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, and various Inuit organizations.
◾ Tax Credits
While federal tax credits like SR&ED apply to Nunavut businesses, some local programs also offer tax-related incentives for specific sectors or business activities.
◾ Equity Investment Programs
Some businesses may qualify for equity investments or partnerships through Inuit development corporations or regional investment initiatives focused on long-term community and economic growth.
✅ Nunavut Business Grants: Current Grants Available
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Targeted Labour Market program (TLMP) provides funding of up to one year in duration to eligible employers, institutions or training providers to enable Nunavut-based education and/or training for occupations or skills that either are or will be in demand in the near future.
This program supports the development and delivery of training and employment programs to unemployed Nunavummiutwho experience multiple barriers to employment.
Minimum contribution of $50,000 and maximum of $250,000, alongside arm’s-length debt or equity financing
Grant
Description:
To provide contributions to Nunavut business ventures with anticipated economic development outcomes. These contributions are structured to complement and attract Debt Financing and/or Equity Investments.
Maximum assistance of $10,000 for the lifetime of the applicant, or $5,000 per application; the per-application limit may be increased where exceptional need can be demonstrated
Grant
Description:
The Sustainable Livelihood Fund provides access to small-scale contributions for tools, equipment and other expenses necessary for operation in the small business, arts and crafts, community-based tourism, and traditional economy sectors. The purpose of the program is to support small businesses, which employ others, self-employed entrepreneurs, arts and crafts producers, or commercial renewable resource harvesters.
Accountable contributions, not to exceed $100,000 per recipient
Grant
Description:
The Small Business Opportunities Fund supports new and expanding small businesses managed by capable entrepreneurs who have identified promising business opportunities. The fund provides accountable contributions to offset costs associated with a wide range of planning, start-up, expansion, and marketing activities.
Up to $100,000 per recipient; business aftercare programs delivered by Nunavut organizations: up to 80% of the additional program delivery cost; businesses buying aftercare services: up to 70% of eligible costs
Grant
Description:
The Entrepreneur Development Fund supports the acquisition of foundational entrepreneurship and business skills by Nunavut residents and businesses by improving the availability of on-going assistance to small business operators. The fund will also help to build the capacity of Nunavut organizations and business service- providers to deliver services and training in the areas of entrepreneurship capacity, business aftercare or tourism safety and risk management.
$10,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program provides grants to individuals, organizations, businesses, or societies who wish to undertake projects and/or activities that support the promotion, advocacy, research, development and diversification of Nunavut’s sealing and fur sectors.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program encourages the use of Nunavut sealskins for the value-added sealskin industry. The program provides Nunavut harvested dressed and/or dyed sealskins to Nunavummiut at cost price to ensure equal and easy access to sealskins for all Nunavummiut. The program acquires its seal skins exclusively from Department of Environment’s Sealskin Purchasing Program which provides financial compensation to harvesters for quality sealskins.
$150,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program provides financial assistance to individuals, organizations, businesses, or societies who wish to undertake projects and/or activities that support the promotion, advocacy, research, development and diversification of Nunavut’s sealing and fur sectors.
Maximum contribution of $50,000, subject to available funding, once per fiscal year, paid in two installments
Grant
Description:
This program provides contributions to individuals, non-profit organizations and municipal corporations to support the development and enhancement of the arts in Nunavut.
Up to 25% of eligible expenses, up to an annual maximum of $250,000 per project application; lifetime maximum funding of $500,000 per project
Grant
Description:
Qualified Exploration companies may apply for contribution per year to offset eligible costs associated with conducting mineral exploration activities in Nunavut.
$150,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Fisheries Development and Diversification Program is an initiative by the Government of Nunavut aimed at fostering a sustainable and economically viable fishing industry within the territory. Administered by the Department of Environment, this program provides financial support to various stakeholders in the fishing industry, including individuals, businesses, and organizations.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Fisheries Development and Diversification Program is an initiative by the Government of Nunavut aimed at fostering a sustainable and economically viable fishing industry within the territory. Administered by the Department of Environment, this program provides financial support to various stakeholders in the fishing industry, including individuals, businesses, and organizations.
A minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per project (per annum, if applicable); artists must contribute at least 10% and all other applicants at least 20% of the project costs
Grant
Description:
The Product Development and Marketing Schedule supports the Department’s commitment to developing Nunavut’s Arts, Cultural and Tourism Sectors. This schedule provides assistance to Nunavut Small Businesses, organizations, individuals, and municipalities that have identified promising product and marketing opportunities.
A minimum of $25,000 (for Tourist Accommodations, $50,000) and a maximum of $100,000 per project (per annum, if applicable); artists contribute at least 10%, other applicants at least 20%, and Tourist Accommodations at least 50% of the Eligible Costs
Grant
Description:
This fund supports infrastructure development and will add value to the cultural and tourism sectors. Funding is targeted towards small businesses, artist studios, municipalities, and other organizations and will support community visitor centre improvements and the installation of public art displays through activities such as:
developing new or repairing/upgrading existing arts, culture and tourism infrastructure;
improving visitor centres and visitor welcome displays at Nunavut airports;
developing new or repairing/upgrading shared arts studio space;
community beautification; and
production of art for public spaces.
$35,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Getting Started, Creation and Training Schedule supports the government’s commitments to tourism and cultural industries related education and training in keeping with the guiding principle of Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq (development of skills though practice, effort and action). This schedule supports small businesses, individuals, organizations and municipalities that seek to start, build upon, or enhance their service delivery capacity or hone their artistic ability.
No fixed amount
Subsidy
Description:
QEC’s Commercial and Institutional Power Producer (CIPP) program is designed to allow existing commercial and institutional customers (government departments, hamlets, businesses) to generate electricity using renewable energy systems and sell it to QEC.
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Maurice
