Economic Development Fund: Tier 2
Get up to 75% of eligible non-capital costs (50% for capital assets) covered to grow your Yukon business. This is a cost-share program: you pay first and get reimbursed after approval. Do not spend any money before you are approved.
“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 need support for 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% for capital expenses), with tiered maximums of $30,000, $100,000, or $500,000 depending on project size.
What may be supported
- Business plans and market research.
- Marketing plans and promotional materials for new markets.
- Participation in trade and investment events.
- Organizational capacity development and professional workshops.
- Capital assets and leasehold improvements (subject to 50% cap).
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 details, ensuring no costs are incurred before approval.
- 03Complete the application form.
- 04Submit via email (edf@yukon.ca), in person at 303 Alexander Street, Whitehorse, or by mail to Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6.
- 05Wait for formal approval before spending any money.
Who to ask: Email: edf@yukon.ca; Phone: 867-667-8751
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form.
- Proof of Yukon business registration or license.
- Project plan detailing eligible costs.
- Budget breakdown separating capital and non-capital expenses.
What to know before you count on it
- You cannot claim costs incurred before the project is approved.
- Capital expenses are capped at 50% funding, not 75%.
- 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.
What are your odds?
Funding is competitive and subject to available budget; confirm current intake status with the advisor.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply?
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.
Can I get funding for equipment I already bought?
No. Costs incurred before project approval are ineligible.
Is there an application fee?
The official page does not list an application fee. Ask the program office before you apply.
Who administers this fund?
The Government of Yukon, specifically the Economic Development Fund program advisors.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check with the advisor if other grants can be combined; this fund excludes projects normally funded by other government departments.
Related programs
Economic Development Fund: Tier 1
Up to $30,000
This territorial program helps Yukon businesses and communities build long-term economic strength.
Checked
BDC Financing: Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
An online loan of up to $350,000 from BDC, Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use it for inventory, hiring and training, marketing, product…
Checked
BDC Financing: Working Capital Term Loan
A BDC term loan for inventory, supplier payments, hiring and other working capital needs. You can pay interest only for up to 24 months at the start.
Checked
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.