Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED): Entrepreneur Support
Get up to $25,000 per year in grant funding to launch or grow your Northwest Territories business. This is non-repayable support, but you must secure approval before spending and contribute 20% to 30% equity yourself.
Before you spend any money
Approval must come before you spend any money; you must submit a complete application and meet with ITI before consideration.
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 registered business or entrepreneur operating within the Northwest Territories.
- You need funding for startup costs, market development, or building operational capacity.
- You can contribute the required equity, which is 20% for most communities and 30% for Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside the Northwest Territories.
- Your project is in arts or film, which are no longer funded as of April 1, 2026.
- You are in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, or Inuvik and seeking funding for capital asset acquisition, which is excluded for these locations.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $25,000 per year, depending on project scope and equity contribution.
What may be supported
- Startup planning and working capital.
- Market development (trade shows, internet marketing, print advertising).
- Operational support (skills training, recovery plans, restructuring).
- Capital asset acquisition (only for Group 2 communities).
What's excluded or restricted
- Arts and film projects (as of April 1, 2026).
- Attendance at conferences (under Market and Product Development).
- Capital Asset Acquisition funding is excluded for businesses located in Group 1 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik); it is only available in Level 2 Communities.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact a regional officer to discuss your idea before developing your proposal, then complete the application form and attach all required documents.
- 01Contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea.
- 02Develop your proposal based on the feedback received.
- 03Complete the SEED Application Form.
- 04Attach all required documents identified in the application checklist.
- 05Submit the completed application form to your regional office.
Who to ask: Regional Offices: Beaufort-Delta (867-678-8023), Dehcho (867-695-7500), Sahtu (867-587-7171 ext. 1001), South Slave (867-872-8046), North Slave Yellowknife (867-767-9212), North Slave Behchokǫ̀ (867-446-1049).
Documents commonly required
- Completed SEED Application Form.
- Supporting documents as identified in the application checklist (confirm specific list with your regional officer).
- Proof of equity contribution (20% or 30% depending on community).
- Business registration or proof of entrepreneur status in NWT.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a grant, not a loan, but it is selective and requires a meeting with an Economic Development Officer before submission.
- You must provide equity: 30% of project costs for Group 1 communities and 20% for Group 2 communities.
- Arts and film projects are excluded as of April 1, 2026.
- Capital asset acquisition funding is only available for businesses in Group 2 communities (all NWT communities except Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik).
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary and competitive; success depends on meeting equity requirements and demonstrating clear business need or impact.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this grant?
No, it is a non-repayable grant. However, it is likely taxable income, so ask your accountant.
Can I use this for buying equipment in Yellowknife?
No, capital asset acquisition funding is excluded for Group 1 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik). It is only available for Group 2 communities.
When is the application deadline?
Intake is annual from April 1 to March 31. You must apply within this window.
Do I need to meet with an officer before applying?
Yes, you must contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea prior to developing your proposal.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
This grant can potentially be combined with other NWT programs like Prosper NWT Loan or Investment, but confirm eligibility with ITI.
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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.