Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive
Get up to $30,000 in interest offsets for capital expansion or $25,000 for sector research in the NWT. This is a cost-share program, so you must get approval before spending and cover your share of costs.
Before you spend a dollar
You must meet with your regional Economic Development Officer and get approval before you spend any money.
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 operate in the NWT within Agriculture, Energy, Fishing, Knowledge Economy, Tourism, or Value-added Manufacturing.
- You need help offsetting interest on a loan for new equipment or facility expansion.
- You are an Indigenous organization, business association, or municipality planning sector-specific research or marketing.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside the Northwest Territories.
- You operate in a non-designated sector like general retail, salons, or standard restaurants unless they fall under Tourism or Value-added Manufacturing.
- You have already spent the money, as approval must come before spending begins.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $30,000 total over 2-3 years for capital expansion, or up to $25,000 for sector research.
What may be supported
- New or expanded facilities and equipment for capital expansion
- Sector-specific research or planning
- Sector-specific product development and packaging materials
- Sector-specific marketing campaigns
What's excluded or restricted
- Projects not in designated sectors (Agriculture, Energy, Fishing, Knowledge Economy, Tourism, Value-added Manufacturing).
- Applicants not meeting entity criteria (e.g., individuals applying for Sector Research Support; non-NWT entities).
- Costs exceeding the equity contribution requirements (Group 1 communities must contribute 30% of project costs; Group 2 communities must contribute 20% of project costs).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a formal application form, attach required documents, and coordinate with your regional Economic Development Officer before submission.
- 01Contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea and ensure it fits the designated sectors.
- 02Develop your proposal based on the feedback from your officer.
- 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).
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
- SEED Application Form
- Documents identified in the application checklist (confirm specific list with your regional officer)
- Proof of location in the Northwest Territories
- Evidence of involvement in a designated sector
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN creates your sector marketing campaigns, the promotion this program supports, putting your products in front of new buyers.
- BBN designs your product packaging and launch materials with the product development support, giving your line a professional, shelf-ready look.
- SEED support follows its own steps; BBN keeps them ordered and dated with you so the funding stays in reach.
What to know before you count on it
- This is not a grant for general operating costs; it offsets loan interest for capital purchases or funds specific research/planning.
- Community applicants must contribute equity: Group 1 communities pay 30% of costs, Group 2 pay 20%.
- You must contact your regional officer to discuss your idea before you can submit a formal application.
- Payment mechanics are not explicitly stated in the source; confirm if this is reimbursement or a contribution agreement on the official page.
What are your odds?
Funding is competitive and tied to specific sector goals; early consultation with your regional officer is critical to ensure your project fits the criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for general working capital?
No. The Capital Expansion Incentive is specifically for offsetting loan interest on new capital purchases (facilities/equipment). Sector Research Support is for research, planning, product development, or marketing.
Do I need to repay this money?
The Capital Expansion Incentive offsets loan interest, meaning you keep the money as a reduction in your financing costs. The specific repayment terms for Sector Research Support are not stated; confirm on the official page.
When is the application deadline?
Intake is annual from April 1 to March 31. However, you must meet with your regional officer before submitting.
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What you can combine it with
This program can often be stacked with Prosper NWT Loans or Investments, but confirm eligibility with your regional officer.
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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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.