Territories Resources

Government of Northwest Territories

Location(s)	Beaufort-Delta, Dehcho, Sahtu, South Slave, Yellowknife, Behchoko, NT
Phone Number	On website here
Email	On website here

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)

1. Northern Food Development Program (NFDP)

   • Support commercial food producers, harvesters, and processors to grow the local food economy.
   • Funding categories: infastructure, equipment & supplies, Agriculture, fishing, marketing, capacity building.
   • An in-kind requirement of up to 10% of total project costs may be required (can include sweat equity).

2. Commercial Fishery Support Program (Pilot Program)

   • Up to $30,000 for recruitment/new fishers, $20,000 for sustainability projects, rebates & incentives based on fish volume.
   • Eligibility: NWT commercial fishers, Indigenous organizations and government, and NWT research institutions.

3. Agri-Food Funding

   • Case-by-case; up to 100% of project costs for eligible organizations.
   • Eligibility: NWT producers, processors, retailers, non-profits, and governments.

4. Community Economic Development

   • Up to $25,000 per project.
   • Eligibility: NWT municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and associations.
   • This program provides funding to local communities and organizations looking to further develop their economies, advance regional economic development initiatives, and/or invest in events promoting economic opportunities.

 

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Location(s)	Yellowknife, NT
Phone Number	1 (855) 897-2667
Email	CanNor.InfoNorth.InfoNord.CanNor@cannor.gc.ca

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)

1. Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth)

   • Up to $6 million per project Delivered via non-repayable and repayable contributions.
   • Cost-sharing: Up to 80% for non-profits, 50% for businesses.
   • Eligibility: Northern businesses, Indigenous organizations, governments, non-profits.
   • Priority for Indigenous people, women, and youth.

2. Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning (CROP)

   • Funding: Financial support for Indigenous communities to build economic development capacity.
   • Eligibility: First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and non-status Indigenous communities in NWT, Yukon, and Nunavut.

NWT Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF)

1. Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Contribution Program
   • Up to $99,999 is available.
   • Required to provide 10% equity to the project.

Akaitcho Business Development Corporation (ABDC)

Office Locations	Yellowknife, NT
Mailing Address	P.O. Box 427, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N3
Phone Number	(867) 920-2505
Email	akaitcho@akaitchobdc.com
Fax Number	(867) 920-0363

Financial Offerings

1. Loan

   • Maximum loan amount of $200,000.

2. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Micro-Loan

   • This program provides repayable micro-loans up to $20,000 plus a non-repayable contribution (when available).

3. Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund

   • Maximum loan amount of $50,000.
   • Offered to Indigenous businesses that are over 50% women owned. 

 

Deh Cho Business Development Centre (DCBDC)

Office Locations	Fort Simpson, NT
Mailing Address	P.O. Box 238, Fort Simpson, NT X0E 0N0
Phone Number	(867) 695-2441
Email	info@dcbdc.ca
Fax Number	(306) 695-2052

Financial Offerings

1. Loan Financing

   • Maximum loan amount of $200,000.
   • Loan term available is 5-10 years.
   • Provide at least 5% towards the cost of non-working capital project costs.

 

NWT Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF)

Office Locations	Yellowknife, NT
Mailing Address	P.O. Box 1405, 4908 50th Street, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P1
Phone Number	(867) 873-9341
Email	admin@mddf.ca

Financial Offerings

1. MDDF Repayable Term and Working Capital Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $100,000.
   • Term loan of 5 years.

2. Indigenous Women in Entrepreneurship (IWE) Micro-loan program

   • Interest-bearing loans for large-scale business initiatives.

3. Women's Micro-Loan and Grant Program

   • Maximum loan amount of $20,000.
   • Must have a majority (51%) equity share in the ownership of the business.
   • Minimum of five percent (5%) cash equity or in-kind contribution.

To view the applications, click here. 

 

Sahtu Business Development Centre

Office Locations	Norman Wells, NT
Mailing Address	301- 5109 48 Street, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1N5
Phone Number	(867) 587-2016
Email	sahtubdc@outlook.com
Fax Number	(867) 587-2407

Financial Offerings

1. The Sahtu Business Development Centre is funded through the Community Futures program. They provide business loans to qualified applicants, and provide small business counseling and advisory services.

Contact the office for more information. 

 

Thebacha Business Development Services (TBDS)

Office Locations	Fort Smith, NT
Mailing Address	66 Portage Avenue P.O. Box 25, Fort Smith, NT
Phone Number	(867) 872-2795
Email	tbdsmanager@gmail.com

Financial Offerings

1. Small Business Loan

   • Maximum loan amount is $200,000.
   • Term loan is 5 years.
2. Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Program (IWE)
   • Empowering Indigenous women entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and resources. Our comprehensive program provides the tools and support needed to build successful, sustainable businesses while honoring cultural values and community connections.
3. Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program (IYE)
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Low interest loans of up to $25,000.
   • Grants covering up to 25% of costs.

 

Aurora College

Institution Location(s)	Fort Smith, NT
Phone Number	(867) 872-7500
Email	info@auroracollege.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Environment and Natural Resources Technology (Diploma)

   • The Environment and Natural Resources Technology diploma at Aurora College is a two-year program offered at the Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. It combines classroom learning, lab training, and immersive field experiences to prepare students for careers in natural resource and environmental management. Graduates are equipped to work in areas such as wildlife, forestry, fisheries, water resources, environmental protection, and land management.

National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA)

Location(s)	Curve Lake, ON
Phone Number	(705) 657-7660  Toll-Free: (877) 234-9813
Email	info@nalma.ca

Training Offering (services offered)

1. Additions to Reserve 

   • NALMA’s ATR Unit provides training to First Nations across the country in the additions to reserve (ATR) process. 

2. Lands Technical 

   • The Lands Technical Unit is responsible for providing technical land support services, project management, undertaking active outreach, and engagement activities, building capacity and resources, advising on professional development opportunities to assist First Nations and the Regional Lands Associations (RLA) with their land management project needs. 

3. Land Use Planning 

   • Supports First Nations communities across Canada in developing and implementing community-based land use plans through training, technical assistance, outreach, and resource development. The unit helps build local capacity by providing workshops, advisory services, funding support identification, and tools that promote sustainable land management while preserving cultural values and community priorities. 

4. Professional Development 

   • The Professional Development Unit is responsible for promoting and providing training and development opportunities for First Nation land managers.

5. Survey

   • The Survey Unit provides guidance and support to First Nations in all aspects of surveying, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).

6. Specialized Training

   • Introduction to Land Management Toolkit, Land Regimes Toolkit, Locatee Leasing Toolkit, Commercial Leasing Toolkit, Reserve Land Designations Toolkit, Additions to Reserves and Reserve Creation Toolkit, Survey Toolkit, Estates Management Toolkit, Land Use Planning Toolkit, Sample Leases, and Land Management Manual. 

7. Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP)

   • Developed by NALMA in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and subject matter experts, the PLMCP provides nationally recognized certification for First Nations Land Managers. The program combines post-secondary and technical training to ensure participants have the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for professional lands management.

8. Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP)

   • RLEMP is a capacity-building program that helps First Nations develop the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to manage reserve lands, natural resources, and environmental responsibilities under the Indian Act. The program provides increasing levels of authority and responsibility as communities build their land management capacity.

9. First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA)

   • The FNLMA enables participating First Nations to assume greater control over their reserve lands and resources by developing and ratifying their own Land Code. Once implemented, communities gain law-making authority over land management and operate independently of many Indian Act land management provisions.

10. Comprehensive Self-Government Land Regime

    • Comprehensive self-government agreements provide Indigenous governments with greater authority over their internal affairs, including land governance, law-making, and service delivery. These agreements establish community-specific governance structures that reflect the unique needs, priorities, and traditions of each Nation.

Kakivak Association

1. Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses

   • Up to $5,000 for business pre-start up.
   • Up to $10,000 for business start-up.
   • Up to $10,000 for business expansion.
   • Maximum of $25,000 in total grants per business.
   • Additional support available to help train you to run your business.

2. Small Tool Grants

   • Up to $1,000 to assist with the purchase of carving tools. Eligible applicants can receive a small tools grant once every five years.
   • Up to $2,500 to assist in the purchase of sewing machines. Eligible applicants can receive a sewing machine grant only once per lifetime.

3. Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF)

   • Up to $10,000 per eligible applicant and project.
   • Eligible communities: Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Pangnirtung.
   • Projects: New equipment, safety gear, marketing initiatives.
4. Makigiaqvik Loans
   • Up to $50,000 in secured term loans  with a fixed interest rate of 8.5%.
   • Repayment schedules up to 7 years.​​​​​​​

Atuqtuarvik Corporation

Office Locations	Rankin Inlet, NU
Mailing Address	102-61 Tupirvik Ave, Box 900, Rankin Inlet, NU X0C 0G0
Phone Number	(867) 645-5900  Toll-Free: (888) 645-5901
Email	contact@atuqtuarvik.com
Fax Number	(867) 645-5910

Financial Offerings

1. Loan

   • Loan amounts range from $150,000 to $3,000,000.
   • Loan amount depends on the percentage of Inuit ownership.
   • Loan term is 1-5 years.
   • Verification of Inuit Firm Status is required to be eligible. 
   • Must be Nunavut based to be eligible.

 

Baffin Business Development Corporation (BBDC)

Office Locations	Iqaluit, NU
Mailing Address	1104 B Inuksugait Plaza II, Box 1480, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Phone Number	(867) 979-1303  Toll-Free: 1 (800) 263-2232
Email	info@baffinbdc.ca
Fax Number	(867) 979-1508

Financial Offerings

1. Financial Offerings

   • Provides loans for the purposes of business start-up, business expansion and business acquisition.
   • Eligible projects must be commercially viable, based in the Baffin region and create benefits such as jobs and increased business revenues and assets.

 

Kakivak Association

Office Locations	Iqualuit, NU
Mailing Address	Parnaivik Building 924, P.O. Box 1419, Iqaluit, NU, X0A 0H0
Phone Number	(867) 979-0911  Toll-Free: 1 (800) 561-0911
Email	info@kakivak.ca
Fax Number	(867) 979-3707

Financial Offerings

1. Makigiaqvik Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $50,000 in secured term loans with a fixed interest rate of 8.5%.
   • Repayment schedules up to 7 years.

 

Kitikmeot Community Futures Inc. (KCFI)

Office Locations	Cambridge Bay, NU
Mailing Address	16 Koihok Maghagak PO Box 1331 Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0C0
Phone Number	(867) 983-7383  Toll-Free: 1 (888) 886- 0260
Email	mepp@kcfi.ca
Fax Number	(867) 983-7380

Financial Offerings

1. Term Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $450,000 for: 

     • Term loans
     • Guarantees/bid bonds
     • Startup funds
     • Inventory supply
     • Capital funds
     • Business counseling and technical assistance
     • Business planning and monitoring assistance
     • Line of Credit

2. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurshp (IWE) Micro-Loan Program

   • Combination of repayable and non-repayable contributions to start or grow your business.
   • Maximum loan amount of $20,000.

 

Kivalliq Business Development Centre

Office Locations	Rankin Inlet, NU
Mailing Address	Box 328, Rankin Inlet, NU X0C0G0
Phone Number	(867) 645-4580
Email	dgibbons@kbdc.ca
Fax Number	(867) 645-4546

Financial Offerings

1. Business Loan

   • Up to $150,000 for:

     • Term loans
     • Guarantees/bid bonds
     • Startup funds
     • Inventory supply
     • Capital funds
     • Business counseling and technical assistance
     • Business planning and monitoring assistance
     • Line of Credit

National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA)

Location(s)	Curve Lake, ON
Phone Number	(705) 657-7660  Toll-Free: (877) 234-9813
Email	info@nalma.ca

Training Offering (services offered)

1. Additions to Reserve 

   • NALMA’s ATR Unit provides training to First Nations across the country in the additions to reserve (ATR) process. 

2. Lands Technical 

   • The Lands Technical Unit is responsible for providing technical land support services, project management, undertaking active outreach, and engagement activities, building capacity and resources, advising on professional development opportunities to assist First Nations and the Regional Lands Associations (RLA) with their land management project needs. 

3. Land Use Planning 

   • Supports First Nations communities across Canada in developing and implementing community-based land use plans through training, technical assistance, outreach, and resource development. The unit helps build local capacity by providing workshops, advisory services, funding support identification, and tools that promote sustainable land management while preserving cultural values and community priorities. 

4. Professional Development 

   • The Professional Development Unit is responsible for promoting and providing training and development opportunities for First Nation land managers.

5. Survey

   • The Survey Unit provides guidance and support to First Nations in all aspects of surveying, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).

6. Specialized Training

   • Introduction to Land Management Toolkit, Land Regimes Toolkit, Locatee Leasing Toolkit, Commercial Leasing Toolkit, Reserve Land Designations Toolkit, Additions to Reserves and Reserve Creation Toolkit, Survey Toolkit, Estates Management Toolkit, Land Use Planning Toolkit, Sample Leases, and Land Management Manual. 

7. Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP)

   • Developed by NALMA in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and subject matter experts, the PLMCP provides nationally recognized certification for First Nations Land Managers. The program combines post-secondary and technical training to ensure participants have the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for professional lands management.

8. Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP)

   • RLEMP is a capacity-building program that helps First Nations develop the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to manage reserve lands, natural resources, and environmental responsibilities under the Indian Act. The program provides increasing levels of authority and responsibility as communities build their land management capacity.

9. First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA)

   • The FNLMA enables participating First Nations to assume greater control over their reserve lands and resources by developing and ratifying their own Land Code. Once implemented, communities gain law-making authority over land management and operate independently of many Indian Act land management provisions.

10. Comprehensive Self-Government Land Regime

    • Comprehensive self-government agreements provide Indigenous governments with greater authority over their internal affairs, including land governance, law-making, and service delivery. These agreements establish community-specific governance structures that reflect the unique needs, priorities, and traditions of each Nation.

Champagne and Aishihik Nations

Location(s)	Haines Junction & Whitehorse , YT
Phone Number	(867) 634-4200

Business Start- Up Offerings

1. Entrepreneur Equity Fund
   • The purpose of the Entrepreneur Equity Fund (EEF) is to enable and assist individual CAFN Citizens to start, acquire, expand or improve business enterprises in the Yukon.

Yukon University 

Location(s)	Whitehorse, YT
Phone Number	(867) 668-8800

Business Start- Up Offerings

1. IncubateNorth
   • IncubateNorth is a 12 to 18 month business incubation program supporting entrepreneurs throughout the territory to grow their businesses locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Yukon University 

Location(s)	Whitehorse, YT
Phone Number	(867) 668-8800

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)

1. Innovation Fund
   • The Innovation Fund is geared toward supporting Yukoners who need financial support to advance the technological readiness of their ideas, effect the change necessary to create space and capacity within the local economy or connect with industry to support market deployment.  

Däna Näye Ventures

Office Location(s)	Whitehorse, YT
Mailing Address	409 Black Street Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2N2
Phone Number	(867) 668-6925  Toll-Free: 1 (800) 661-0448
Email	dnv@dananaye.com
Fax Number	(867) 668-3127

Financial Offerings

1. DNV Loan Funds

   • Administers various loan funds that are available to all qualified entrepreneurs in its lending territory (including Northern BC residents).

2. Yukon Micro Loan Program 

   • $4,000 for a first loan to individuals who want to start, maintain or expand small businesses.
   • Loan terms range from six months to three and a half years.

3. Indigenous Women Entrepreneur (IWE) 

   • This IWE Micro loan program is available for any size business (owned by an Indigenous woman) to access up to $25,000.00 in a micro loan format. This program does require the following in order to apply:

     • 5% cash equity of the amount applied for.
     • Business plan outlining what your business offers and how the funds will be allocated.
     • Security to the amount of the applied sum.
     • Copies of any quotes for project costs over $1,000.
     • Copies of any business licenses and business insurance coverage.

4. Entrepreneurship and Business Development Program

   • Provides financing for small and medium-sized individually-owned Indigenous businesses and for community-based projects.
   • Contributions of up $99,999 are available for individuals.
   • Cash equity requirement must be at least 10% of total project costs.

5. Yukon First Nations Implementation Fund 

   • The Fund makes investments between $5,000 and $100,000 in Yukon First Nation businesses.
   • The money may be used by approved applicants to help start, buy or expand businesses.

National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA)

Location(s)	Curve Lake, ON
Phone Number	(705) 657-7660  Toll-Free: (877) 234-9813
Email	info@nalma.ca

Training Offering (services offered)

1. Additions to Reserve 

   • NALMA’s ATR Unit provides training to First Nations across the country in the additions to reserve (ATR) process. 

2. Lands Technical 

   • The Lands Technical Unit is responsible for providing technical land support services, project management, undertaking active outreach, and engagement activities, building capacity and resources, advising on professional development opportunities to assist First Nations and the Regional Lands Associations (RLA) with their land management project needs. 

3. Land Use Planning 

   • Supports First Nations communities across Canada in developing and implementing community-based land use plans through training, technical assistance, outreach, and resource development. The unit helps build local capacity by providing workshops, advisory services, funding support identification, and tools that promote sustainable land management while preserving cultural values and community priorities. 

4. Professional Development 

   • The Professional Development Unit is responsible for promoting and providing training and development opportunities for First Nation land managers.

5. Survey

   • The Survey Unit provides guidance and support to First Nations in all aspects of surveying, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).

6. Specialized Training

   • Introduction to Land Management Toolkit, Land Regimes Toolkit, Locatee Leasing Toolkit, Commercial Leasing Toolkit, Reserve Land Designations Toolkit, Additions to Reserves and Reserve Creation Toolkit, Survey Toolkit, Estates Management Toolkit, Land Use Planning Toolkit, Sample Leases, and Land Management Manual. 

7. Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP)

   • Developed by NALMA in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and subject matter experts, the PLMCP provides nationally recognized certification for First Nations Land Managers. The program combines post-secondary and technical training to ensure participants have the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for professional lands management.

8. Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP)

   • RLEMP is a capacity-building program that helps First Nations develop the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to manage reserve lands, natural resources, and environmental responsibilities under the Indian Act. The program provides increasing levels of authority and responsibility as communities build their land management capacity.

9. First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA)

   • The FNLMA enables participating First Nations to assume greater control over their reserve lands and resources by developing and ratifying their own Land Code. Once implemented, communities gain law-making authority over land management and operate independently of many Indian Act land management provisions.

10. Comprehensive Self-Government Land Regime

    • Comprehensive self-government agreements provide Indigenous governments with greater authority over their internal affairs, including land governance, law-making, and service delivery. These agreements establish community-specific governance structures that reflect the unique needs, priorities, and traditions of each Nation.