Funding for small businesses: Northern Canada

There are two programs for small business:

1) Core BDPF

• maximum in any 5 year period is $10,000 - $20,000 depending on your community. 
• Only businesses with $500,000 or less in annual revenues are eligible to apply.​​​​​​

2) BDPF Aftercare

• The BDPF Aftercare can provide businesses with contribution funding to purchase accounting software or services, succession planning and business training programs.
• The lifetime maximum for BDPF Aftercare Funding is $3,000 ($5,000 for businesses in level II communities). Level I communities include Yellowknife (including N’Dilo), Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik. All other NWT communities are considered level II.

For full guidelines and details, visit the Northwest Territories BDIC website.

This program is primarily focused on providing up-and-coming small businesses, community organizations and individuals with support to grow. Program eligibility is limited to Nunavut Residents and business majority owned by Nunavut Residents. It contains three funds:

1) Small Business Opportunities Fund

• aims to help business start-ups and expansions
• includes support for developing business and marketing plans
• also supports new pilot projects, and business and "wind-down"

2) Entrepreneur Development Fund

• assists business through training and skill development
• eligible training includes accounting, bookkeeping, business start-up, and tourism safety and risk management
• also assists in the establishment of business aftercare programs

3) Sustainable Livelihood Fund

• supports activity in the tourism, arts & crafts and harvesting sectors
• assistance to overcome immediate legal or bookkeeping problems
• support the purchase of tools and other minor capital items
• helps pay for tourism operators' liability insurance

Eligible applicants must have reported a minimum of $10,000 in gross business sales to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in at least one of the last three tax years or be considered a new entrant.