Yukon Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply
Looking to grow your business in the Yukon with non-repayable funding? This article outlines the business grants available across the Yukon, who provides them, what they can be used for, and how to qualify.
Whether you’re launching a small business, supporting a traditional industry, or developing innovative products or services, this guide will help you find the right funding to support your goals.
✅ What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is non-repayable financial assistance provided by government agencies or non-profit organizations to support business development. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be paid back — but they usually require applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate how the funding will be used. In the Yukon, business grants often aim to strengthen regional economies, support Indigenous entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable development across key sectors.
✅ Types of Business Grants in the Yukon
Grants in the Yukon are designed to support a wide range of business needs, often grouped by their focus area or target audience. Common types include:
◾ Activity Grants
These grants support projects such as business expansion, hiring and training, product development, technology upgrades, or market development.
◾ Audience Grants
Targeted programs are available for Indigenous entrepreneurs, women, youth, and rural business owners, helping ensure more inclusive access to funding.
◾ Industry Grants
The Yukon supports priority sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, film and media, agriculture, and resource development. Grants are often aimed at boosting innovation, sustainability, and community benefit within these industries.
◾ Regional Grants
Some programs are region-specific, supporting business growth in remote or rural Yukon communities. These are often delivered in partnership with First Nations governments or local economic development offices.
✅ What Can a Business Grant be Used for in the Yukon?
Depending on the program, business grants in the Yukon can be used for:
- Hiring and training employees
- Purchasing equipment or upgrading facilities
- Market research, branding, and advertising
- Product or service development
- Supporting tourism-related infrastructure or experiences
- Transitioning to clean or renewable energy solutions
Some grants cover 100% of project costs, while others require cost-sharing by the applicant.
✅ How to Qualify for a Business Grant in the Yukon
To be eligible for a business grant in the Yukon, your business generally needs to:
- Be registered and operating in the Yukon Territory
- Meet the grant’s criteria related to sector, size, ownership, or location
- Propose a project that aligns with the program’s goals, such as economic diversification, innovation, or community development
- Submit a full application, which may include a business plan, financial projections, and a detailed project description
Many programs place a strong emphasis on local benefit and Indigenous or community engagement.
✅ Alternatives to Business Grants in the Yukon
If you don’t qualify for a grant — or if you’re looking for other ways to finance your business — the Yukon offers several additional options:
◾ Subsidies
Wage and training subsidies are available to help reduce employment costs, especially for hiring youth, students, or individuals from underrepresented groups.
◾ Government Loans
Flexible loan options are available through the Yukon Business Development Program, Canada Small Business Financing Program, and local Community Futures organizations.
◾ Tax Credits
Yukon businesses can access federal tax credits such as SR&ED for R&D work. The territory also offers tax incentives for film production and investment in certain sectors.
◾ Equity Investment Programs
Startups and innovation-driven businesses may qualify for equity investment through territorial development funds, angel investors, or national innovation programs with northern outreach.
✅ Yukon Business Grants: Current Grants Available
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Yukon Mineral Exploration Program (YMEP) provides part of the risk capital to:
locate;
explore; and
develop mineral projects to an advanced exploration stage.
Matches up to 50% of project costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per project (applications requesting more than $10,000 from the fund are not considered)
Grant
Description:
The Yukon Historic Resources Fund (YHRF) supports projects that promote the study and interpretation of Yukon’s historic resources. Projects should promote appreciation, preservation and development of Yukon’s heritage.
Matching funding on eligible costs, up to a maximum $10,000 per year, per project; designated national, territorial or municipal historic sites may be eligible for up to a maximum of $20,000
Grant
Description:
The Historic Properties Assistance Program (HPA) provides technical and financial support for historic properties in the Yukon.
This program provides funding to applicants who own historically significant properties. Eligible projects include work to preserve, restore, develop or interpret these properties.
Funding per child per month (caregivers paying full-time rates): Infant $700; Toddler $700; Preschool $700; Kindergarten $700 (full-time, not in school) or $350 (part-time, in school); School-age $300 (during the school year) or $500 (during the summer). Part-time attendance for infant, toddler and preschool is prorated. Plus a monthly administration payment equal to 10% of the fee-reduction funding.
Grant
Description:
This program provides support to early learning and child care centres in the Yukon by providing funding to offset early learning fees and the cost of operating high quality programs. This funding is intended to directly help licensed early learning and child care centres lower the amount parents or caregivers pay.
Wage enhancement for early childhood educators, up to 40 hours per week, plus an extra 14% to cover employment-related costs; 2026 hourly enhancements of $4.12 (Level 1) to $15.31 (Level 3) in Whitehorse and $1.85 (Level 0) to $17.11 (Level 3) in rural Yukon
Grant
Description:
This program provides support to early learning and child care centres in the Yukon by providing funding to offset early learning fees and the cost of operating high quality programs. The intent of this funding is to enhance the wage of early childhood educators, up to 40 hours per week.
Quality funding per child, based on how many children are enrolled and/or licensed capacity: Whitehorse area $97.33 to $206.10 (programs without a meal program) or $129.39 to $238.16 (programs with a nutritional meal program); rural programs $114.33 to $242.10 (without a meal program) or $151.99 to $298.59 (with a nutritional meal program)
Grant
Description:
This program provides support to early learning and child care centres in the Yukon by providing funding to offset early learning fees and the cost of operating high quality programs. The intent of this funding is to help support centres create high-quality early learning programs by supporting the costs of materials, supplies, and equipment.
Maximum of $500,000 per business; 1 claim must be submitted to recover all eligible costs
Grant
Description:
The Yukon Disaster Financial Assistance Program for Small Businesses helps business owners recover from a natural disaster. If the event causes significant damage to your small business, you can apply for funding to repair it.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Beneficial Management Practices assists farmers in mitigating some of the risks identified in the farm-specific Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs).
Commercial applicants: up to a maximum of 60 per cent of project costs, cumulative maximum of $125,000 over the lifetime of the program (increased to $250,000 for major projects); New entrants and small businesses: up to a maximum of 60 per cent of project costs, cumulative maximum of $30,000 over the lifetime of the program; Non-profit organizations, governments and institutions: up to a maximum of 100 per cent of project costs
Grant
Description:
The Training program provides funding for:
a) attending agricultural courses, seminars, workshops and conferences;
b) participating in mentorship opportunities;
c) hosting agricultural courses, seminars, workshops and conferences.
Commercial and new entrant/small business applicants: up to $7,500 of eligible costs per year and $22,500 over the lifetime of the program; non-profit organizations, governments and institutions: up to $12,500 per year and $37,500 over the lifetime of the program
Grant
Description:
The Internship program is designed for hiring an intern and providing an opportunity for skill development in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
Up to 90% of eligible costs for the first $5,000 and up to 60% of eligible costs beyond $5,000, to a maximum of $20,000 over the lifetime of the program
Grant
Description:
The Business Planning program provides funding for hiring consultant services and purchasing business software.
Advertising and marketing: TCMF covers 50% of approved activities; contributions between $2,500 and $25,000 for Yukon tourism businesses, First Nations Governments, Municipalities and non-government organizations, and up to $50,000 for Yukon Destination Marketing Organizations. Travel-related activities (flat rates): approved shows $1,400/show Western Canada, $2,800/show Central Canada, $3,800/show Atlantic Canada, $3,800/show United States, $4,200/show overseas; all other travel-related activities (familiarization tours, sales calls, sales missions, etc.) up to $2,000/activity.
Grant
Description:
The Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund (TCMF) helps the Yukon’s tourism industry attract visitors and gain international exposure.
Up to $10,000 per applicant towards eligible expenses
Grant
Description:
The Touring Artist Fund (TAF) is for professional Yukon artists and performers. Every year we have $100,000 for touring outside of the Yukon. This fund is open to all artistic practices.
Up to a maximum of 60 per cent of project costs, to a cumulative maximum of $125,000 over the lifetime of the program for commercial applicants (increased to $250,000 for major projects over $125,000); new entrants and small businesses up to 60 per cent of project costs to a cumulative maximum of $30,000 (Phase 2 up to $20,000); non-profit organizations, governments and institutions up to 100 per cent of project costs
Grant
Description:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funds the Yukon’s agriculture and agri-food sector. This is a 5-year cost-shared program funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon.
Commercial applicants: up to a maximum of 60 per cent of project costs, cumulative maximum of $125,000 over the lifetime of the program ($250,000 for major projects over $125,000); new entrants and small businesses: up to 60 per cent of project costs, cumulative maximum of $30,000 (Phase 2 up to $20,000); non-profit organizations, governments and institutions: up to 100 per cent of project costs
Grant
Description:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funds the Yukon’s agriculture and agri-food sector. This is a 5-year cost-shared program funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon.
Clearing field areas: up to $400 per hectare (cumulative maximum $800 per hectare); removing woody debris: up to $200 per hectare; preparing land for seeding: up to $200 per hectare; commercial and new entrant/small business applicants: up to 60% of eligible project costs
Grant
Description:
The Special Beneficial Management Practice: Developing Fields and Land Utilization provides funds to agricultural producers for clearing field areas by removing trees, shrubs, rocks and roots, removing woody debris by chipping, mulching or salvaging woody material, and preparing the land for seeding by breaking and cultivating the soil.
Successful applicants receive between $1,000 and $5,000
Grant
Description:
The Spark Tourism Micro-grant program supports new and emerging entrepreneurs who offer visitor experiences and services in the Yukon. The program helps turn your idea into reality and acts as a catalyst to spark larger future projects.
Up to a maximum of $32.80 per linear metre ($10 per linear foot) for new game fencing; projects may have lower funding maximums depending on the fencing design
Grant
Description:
Elk can cause damage to high-value forage crops, such as fertilized and managed fields. You can access funding to install fencing that prevents this type of damage.
You can apply if you’re an agricultural producer with titled agriculture property.
Up to 75 per cent of the eligible costs in your predevelopment budget, up to a maximum of $15,000 (reduced proportionately if the Yukon production company owns less than 51 per cent of the project)
Grant
Description:
The Predevelopment Fund helps Yukon producers develop their ideas for a:
professional film;
television program; and
digital media project.
You can receive funding to help attract commitments from broadcasters, distributors or online platforms for further development or production.
Up to 75 per cent of your cash expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 per fiscal year for emerging musician activities and $30,000 per fiscal year for established musician activities
Grant
Description:
The Performing Musicians Fund supports activities that help Yukon musicians build sustainable careers in the music industry.
Up to 75 per cent of eligible expenses with a maximum of $500,000 per project (Feasibility phase up to $150,000; Design phase up to $300,000; Implementation phase up to $500,000)
Grant
Description:
The Yukon Development Corporation is helping to increase the supply of renewable energy and reduce diesel consumption in the Yukon. The Innovative Renewable Energy Initiative provides funding for community-led renewable energy projects.
Shovel-ready projects: up to $100,000 for each unit up to a maximum of $1,000,000; project concepts: up to $20,000; funding for rural private homeowners constructing rental units cannot exceed 50 per cent of the project costs
Grant
Description:
The Housing Initiatives Fund provides funding for affordable rental housing projects across the Yukon.
Between $100 and $5,000, covering up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses (Tier 1: up to $1,500; Tier 2: $1,501 to $5,000), with a maximum of $10,000 in funding per applicant over one fiscal year in 2025-2026
Grant
Description:
You can apply to this program if you:
work in a creative or cultural industry; and
are looking for a small amount of funding to help you complete a project.
You can apply for an amount between $100 and $5,000.
$1,000.00
Grant
Description:
The purpose of the City of Whitehorse Environmental Grant Policy is to guide the allocation and management of environmental fund grants within the City of Whitehorse. These grants support outcomes identified in the Whitehorse Sustainability Plan.
$25,000.00
Grant
Description:
The purpose of the City of Whitehorse Environmental Grant Policy is to guide the allocation and management of environmental fund grants within the City of Whitehorse. These grants support outcomes identified in the Whitehorse Sustainability Plan.
Child care centres in Whitehorse: a maximum of $10,000 for requirements related to health and safety (communities may apply for more than $10,000 depending on community needs); family day homes: a maximum of $1,000 (more than $1,000 in communities depending on community needs)
Grant
Description:
Start-up funding is available through the Enhancement Fund for:
child care centres; and
family day homes.
Licensed child care centres can apply for up to $15,000 (additional funding for larger centres considered case by case); licensed family day homes can apply for up to $3,000
Grant
Description:
You can apply to the radon mitigation fund for help with the costs of radon mitigation for your:
Licensed child care centres can apply for up to $15,000.
Licensed child care centres up to a maximum of $5,000; family day homes up to a maximum of $500 (major appliance replacement to a maximum of 50% of the cost or up to $500)
Grant
Description:
You can apply for enhancement funding for support for your:
child care centre; or
family day home.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Licensed child care centres can apply for emergency funding based on individual circumstances. Contact us to talk about your project.
Up to 75 per cent of the eligible project costs and 50 per cent of capital expenses; tier 1 up to $30,000, tier 2 between $30,001 and $100,000, tier 3 between $100,001 and $500,000
Grant
Description:
The Economic Development Fund supports projects and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic benefits to Yukoners and Yukon communities.
Up to 50 per cent of the costs in your development budget, up to a maximum of $40,000
Grant
Description:
The Development Fund provides funding for a:
professional film;
television program; and
digital media project.
Up to $10,000 per applicant per fiscal year
Grant
Description:
Culture Quest provides funding for performing, visual and literary artists. It is currently paused and not open for applications.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Cultural Industries Training Fund (CITF) is a Yukon fund for training in the cultural industries. It is currently paused and not open for applications.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Compensation for Wildlife Damage Category is designed to provide funding to cover loss of livestock due to predation and loss of crops due to wildlife.
Up to 75 per cent of the total costs of the project and 50 per cent of eligible capital expenditures to a maximum of $375,000 (Tier 1: projects with budget up to $100,000; Tier 2: projects with budget from $100,001 to $500,000)
Grant
Description:
This fund provides annual funding support to capital and non-capital projects that focus on sustainable tourism development in their community or region.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Building UP program provides funding for projects that strengthen the labour market. It supports projects that:
help people build skills, find jobs and succeed at work;
support employers with hiring and workforce needs; and
connect people to jobs.
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Maurice
