Economic Development Fund: Tier 1
Get up to $30,000 back for eligible project costs in Yukon. This is a cost-share reimbursement, so you must pay first and get approval before spending.
“This fund replaces the Regional Economic Development Fund, Strategic Industries Development Fund and Enterprise Trade Fund.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come BEFORE spending; expenditures made prior to approval are ineligible.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a Yukon-based business, First Nation, municipality, or registered community society.
- You are planning capacity building, market research, trade events, or specific capital assets.
- You can wait for formal approval before incurring any costs.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are based outside Yukon, as this is a territorial program only.
- You have already spent money on the project, since pre-approval costs are ineligible.
- You need funding for land acquisition, personal-use equipment, or ongoing operations.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 75% of eligible project costs (up to 50% of capital expenses), capped at $30,000 under Tier 1.
What may be supported
- Business plans and market research.
- Marketing plans and promotional materials for new markets.
- Organizational capacity development and training plans.
- Participation in trade and investment events.
- Capital assets and leasehold improvements (excluding personal-use equipment).
What's excluded or restricted
- Capital expenditures for equipment readily movable and suitable for personal use (e.g., computers, power tools, musical instruments) unless deemed integral to project success.
- Costs incurred before any project approval decisions, including volunteer time such as board time.
- Costs incurred for cancelled projects.
- Expenditures made prior to the project being approved for funding.
- Financing charges, legal fees, and loan interest payments, including those related to easements (e.g., surveys).
- Land acquisition.
- Leasing equipment other than equipment directly related to the project.
- Leasing payment on land, buildings, and other facilities.
- Operation and maintenance costs, except as provided for under Eligible Expenditures.
- Projects that fall under the normal responsibility of a Government of Yukon department, municipal authority, First Nation, or federal government.
- Initiatives eligible under the Performing Musicians Fund.
- Provincial/Territorial sales tax, goods and services tax, or harmonized sales tax.
- Real estate fees and related costs.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact a program advisor first to determine eligibility, then submit a formal application via email, mail, or in person.
- 01Contact an Economic Development Fund program advisor to determine eligibility.
- 02Prepare your project proposal, ensuring no costs are incurred before approval.
- 03Complete the application form.
- 04Submit the application before the deadline via email, in person, or by mail.
- 05Wait for formal approval before starting work or spending money.
Who to ask: Email: edf@yukon.ca; Phone: 867-667-8751
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form.
- Project proposal detailing eligible costs.
- Proof of Yukon business registration or license.
- Budget breakdown separating eligible and ineligible costs.
What to know before you count on it
- You cannot claim costs incurred before the project is approved.
- Personal-use equipment like computers or power tools is excluded unless integral to the project.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 applications have strict annual deadlines (April 15, September 15, or January 15).
- Travel costs are limited to lowest economy airfare and standard accommodation.
What are your odds?
Funding is competitive and subject to available budget; confirm current intake status with the advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this fund for equipment like computers?
Generally no, unless the equipment is deemed integral to the project success. Personal-use items are excluded.
When are the deadlines?
Tier 1 is accepted year-round. Tier 2 deadlines are April 15 and September 15. Tier 3 deadline is January 15. All deadlines are 4:30 pm.
Is the money a loan or a grant?
It is a cost-share grant. Confirm repayment terms and tax implications on the official page.
How do I apply?
Contact an advisor first, then submit via email to edf@yukon.ca, in person at 303 Alexander Street, or by mail.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check if other federal or territorial programs also fund your project, so you do not claim the same cost twice.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.