Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP): Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Get contribution funding to establish or grow your Indigenous business in Nunavut, NWT, or Yukon. You must apply through a CanNor-approved partner, so ask that partner for the amounts and terms.
“EBD assists Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous businesses through project-based support for activities that help facilitate the establishment or growth of Indigenous businesses.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Confirm application deadlines and processing times with your Service Delivery Partner.
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 an Indigenous entrepreneur or business owner.
- Your business operates in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, or Yukon.
- You have a specific project to establish or grow your business.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not Indigenous or your business is not Indigenous-owned.
- Your business is located outside the three territories.
- You are looking for a loan or funding for non-business purposes.
How much you'd realistically get
The amount depends on your project. The official page does not list a maximum amount or rate. Ask your Service Delivery Partner before you apply.
What may be supported
- Business establishment activities.
- Business growth initiatives.
- Operational improvements for Indigenous businesses.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must connect with an SDP and prepare a project proposal; confirm required documents with them.
- 01Identify a CanNor-approved Service Delivery Partner (SDP) in your region.
- 02Contact the SDP to discuss your project and eligibility.
- 03Prepare your project proposal and required documents as directed by the SDP.
- 04Submit your application through the SDP.
- 05Wait for the SDP or CanNor to assess your project and confirm the terms.
Who to ask: operations@cannor.gc.ca or regional offices
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Indigenous status or business ownership.
- Proof of business location in Nunavut, NWT, or Yukon.
- Project proposal detailing establishment or growth activities.
- Financial statements or budget as requested by the SDP.
What to know before you count on it
- Funding is a contribution. The official page does not list its terms, so ask your Service Delivery Partner whether any part must be repaid.
- You must work through a CanNor-approved Service Delivery Partner (SDP) to apply.
- The official page does not list which activities are covered or excluded. Ask your Service Delivery Partner before you apply.
- The official page does not say when or how the money is paid. Ask your Service Delivery Partner before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your project and on your Service Delivery Partner's assessment. Funding is not automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply directly to CanNor?
No. You must connect with a CanNor-approved Service Delivery Partner (SDP) in your region for assistance.
Is the money taxable?
The official page does not say whether the money is taxable. Ask your Service Delivery Partner or a tax professional.
What specific projects are funded?
Activities that help start or grow an Indigenous business are eligible. Your Service Delivery Partner can tell you whether your project fits.
What you can combine it with
Check with your SDP if this can be combined with other federal or territorial programs.
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.