Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses
Get up to $25,000 in non-repayable grant funding to launch or expand your Inuit-owned business in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut. You must book an appointment with a Business Development Officer to apply.
“Sivummut Grants are available to eligible Inuit owned businesses to support the establishment or expansion of their business.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm with the Business Development Officer if approval must precede spending or if reimbursement is required, as payment mechanics are not stated.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are an Inuit-owned business operating or planning to operate in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut.
- You are in the pre-start-up, start-up, or expansion phase and need capital for establishment or growth.
- You want non-repayable funding that can be combined with a Makigiaqvik Loan for larger needs.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not Inuit-owned or do not operate in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut.
- You expect an online instant application; this program requires a personal appointment with a Business Development Officer.
- You need funding for costs excluded by the program, which are not published; confirm eligible costs with Kakivak.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $5,000 for pre-start-up, up to $10,000 for start-up, or up to $10,000 for expansion, with a lifetime maximum of $25,000 per business.
What may be supported
- Business pre-start-up costs
- Business start-up costs
- Business expansion costs
- Training to help run the business
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must schedule an appointment and work with a Business Development Officer to prepare your application, rather than submitting a simple online form.
- 01Contact Kakivak Association by email at BusinessSupport@Kakivak.ca or call the toll-free number to schedule an appointment.
- 02Meet with a Business Development Officer to discuss your business stage (pre-start-up, start-up, or expansion) and eligibility.
- 03Prepare your business plan and financial projections as requested by the officer.
- 04Submit the application form, which is available on the Kakivak website, along with any required supporting documents.
- 05Wait for the discretionary review and decision from the Business Development Officer.
Who to ask: Email: BusinessSupport@Kakivak.ca; Kakivak toll-free number (number not shown on this page)
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Proof of Inuit ownership
- Business plan or expansion proposal
- Financial projections or budget
- Application form from the Kakivak website
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with start-up funds so customers can find you online.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile to put your shop on the map for local searches.
- BBN launches a review system and digital marketing to turn first customers into loyal regulars.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and coordinates qualified partners for physical installation.
- Miss the Sivummut deadline and you lose the chance, so BBN guides your steps to ensure nothing is overlooked.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a grant, so it is likely taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- The selection process is discretionary and involves working directly with a Business Development Officer, so it is not an automatic entitlement.
- The $25,000 lifetime cap applies to the business, not per project, so you cannot stack multiple grants beyond this total.
- Specific disbursement timing and mechanics are not stated; confirm if funds are paid upfront or upon completion.
What are your odds?
Funding is selective and depends on the strength of your business plan and alignment with Kakivak's goals for Inuit-owned businesses in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay this money back?
No, it is a non-repayable grant. However, it is likely taxable income, so consult your accountant.
Can I apply online?
No, you must make an appointment with a Kakivak Business Development Officer by email or phone to begin the process.
What is the maximum amount I can receive?
The maximum is $25,000 in total grants per business, split across pre-start-up, start-up, and expansion stages.
Can I combine this with a loan?
Yes, Kakivak Business Development Officers can help you combine this grant with a Makigiaqvik Loan.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Staff Training & Digital Adoption
Your team actually using the tools: hands-on training, written guides and a support window, with training-grant screening.
What you can combine it with
You can combine this grant with a Makigiaqvik Loan, but you cannot exceed the $25,000 total grant cap per business.
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.