Starting & Funding a Business in Northwest Territories – Directory of Resources & Support
Thinking about starting a business in the Northwest Territories?
This page brings together key resources to help you explore business ideas, understand the steps to get started, and find funding support from public, non-profit, and private sector organizations.
Use this hub as your starting point for launching and growing a business in the Northwest Territories!
Business Ideas for NWT Entrepreneurs
Explore business ideas that match Northwest Territories’ economy, industries, and market trends. These resources can help you identify opportunities and choose a business that fits your goals and the local demand.
Starting a Business in Northwest Territories
Learn the key steps to starting a business in Northwest Territories, from planning and structuring your company to handling legal and financial basics. These guides walk you through what to expect.
- Northwest Territories Small Business Guide
- How to Start a Business in Northwest Territories
- How to Register a Business in Northwest Territories
- How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Northwest Territories
- How to Incorporate in Northwest Territories
Business Funding in Northwest Territories
Discover the types of funding available to entrepreneurs in Northwest Territories, including grants, loans, tax credits, and investment opportunities.
Each category below links to a guide that explains where to find support and how to apply:
Grants
Find non-repayable funding options available to startups and small businesses in NWT in our guide to Northwest Territories business grants.
Government Loans
Loan programs supported or delivered by the government often offer lower interest rates and/or flexible terms for small businesses. Explore our guide to Canadian government business loans.
Wage Subsidies
Reduce your hiring costs in NWT through government-supported subsidy programs. We have a guide to wage subsidies in Canada supported by the federal and provincial/territorial governments.
Tax Credits
Tax credits can lower your tax burden based on your business activities. Check out the current federal and provincial business tax credits in Canada.
Equity Investments
Many startups and high-growth businesses can obtain equity financing from incubators, private investors, or government equity investment programs. Learn more about equity financing in Canada.
Business Funding Organizations in NWT
Browse organizations across the public, non-profit, and private sectors that provide business funding in Northwest Territories. These links connect you directly to their funding programs and services.
(For a complete guide to the types of funding available to entrepreneurs, read our Canada Business Funding guide.)
Public Sector Funding Organizations in NWT
Federal Government Funding Organizations
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
Business Development Corporation
- Akaitcho Business Development Corporation, Yellowknife
- Thebacha Business Development Services, Fort Smith
- Southwest Territorial Business Development Corporation, Hay River
- Dehcho Business Development Centre, Fort Simpson
- Sahtu Business Development Centre, Norman Wells
Territorial Government Funding Organizations
Territorial Government Ministries
- Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
- Ministry of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Investment
- Ministry of Infrastructure
Territorial Government Crown Corporations
Territorial Business Development Organizations
Sector-Specific Organizations
Utility Companies
Municipal Government Funding Organizations
Municipal Economic Development Offices
- City of Yellowknife Economic Development
- Yellowknife Planning & Development Department
- Town of Hay River Planning and Development
- Inuvik Tourism & Economic Development Department
- Inuvik Community Beautification
- Inuvik Public Services Department
Municipal Sector-Specific Organization
Non-Profit Sector Funding Organizations in NWT
Chambers of Commerce
Cooperative Non-Profits
Private Sector Funding Organizations in NWT
Accelerator