Starting, or growing a small business in NWT, while exciting, can also be a challenging journey. One of the elements that can have a major impact on the success of your business, is access to funding.
Luckily, the province of NWT, offers a number of great business grants, government loans, tax breaks and incentives to help small businesses and to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their business development.
These business grants and funding options can provide a financial boost that is required to turn innovation into a reality, expand operations and overcome the unexpected challenges of business ownership.
Join us as we explore all available Northwest Territories business grants for 2026.
We will be looking at the regions in Northwest Territories which will be able to provide you with the funding, the different types of funding available, what the funds can be used for, eligibility criteria as well, your access to over 95+ business grants, government loans..etc
Regions of Northwest Territories Government Funding Coverage
As a small business in the Northwest Territories, there are various funding options that your business may be able to obtain.
This funding comes from local governments, as well as regional governments.
Beaufort Delta Region
The Beaufort Delta region includes areas like Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and other northern communities. Special funding programs often target this region due to its unique economic and geographic challenges. This includes business grants, government loans, as well as tax breaks and incentives.
Sahtu Region
The Sahtu region encompasses communities like Norman Wells, Tulita, and Deline. Funding may focus on promoting local development, supporting traditional industries, and enhancing community infrastructure.
Dehcho Region
The Dehcho region includes Fort Simpson, Wrigley, and surrounding areas. Given its significant natural resources and smaller population, funding often supports resource management, community services, and economic diversification.
North Slave Region
The North Slave region includes Yellowknife, Behchoko, and Dettah. As the most populous region, funding initiatives often aim at urban development, infrastructure, and supporting the mining and tourism industries.
South Slave Region
The South Slave region, focusing on communities like Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution, often receives funding aimed at agriculture, fisheries, and small business development.
Tłı̨chǫ Region
The Tłı̨chǫ region, covering areas like Behchoko, Whatì, and Gamètì, receives funding that supports traditional livelihoods, community wellness programs, and infrastructure development.
Government funding in the Northwest Territories is tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities of each of these regions, aiming to promote balanced growth and equitable resource distribution across the territory. You can review all regions within the Funding Database in order to access all options at your fingertips.
Are Northwest Territories Business Grants and Funding Right For You
If you are considering starting a business, or have an existing business in Northwest Territories , you should consider government funding.
Remember, government funding does not meant just borrowing money (via Loan), but utilizing provided funding options such as government grants, incentives, tax breaks, credits..etc, towards the various expenses you may have in order to grow your business.
The benefit of being in Northwest Territories , or the above mentioned regions of Northwest Territories is that the government puts a lot towards the success of entrepreneurship, covering many audience types, including Startups, Women, Immigrants, Youth, Indigenous, Veterans, Minority Owned Businesses, Non Profits, Specific Regions as well as those in Specific Industries.
In other words, if you are a Canadian (or have PR); or are in business with a Canadian Citizen (or PR holder) and in need of funding support, chances are you are eligible for certain Northwest Territories business grants and government funding programs.
With that in mind, you must have expenses that you’d like to cover. Have a look at the below, to see what Northwest Territories small business grants can be used for!
What Can Northwest Territories Small Business Grants Be Used For?
Northwest Territories business grants and funding options can be used to cover a number of startup and expansion costs as you run your business. Here are some of the more commonly used user cases as how to benefit from the available funding:
☑️ To cover the initial startup and/or expansion costs
☑️ To assist you with purchase of tools, equipment and inventory to lower your initial costs
☑️ To help you adopt technology use in your business and get your business online
☑️ To provide you costs for marketing and advertising campaigns, or hire marketing related assistance
☑️ To give you working capital for the every day, day to day expenses
☑️ To cover the cost of wages for yourself, your staff and provide training
** ☑️ **and much more
These are just a few of the expenses that Northwest Territories business grants and funding can be used towards. For a full list, access the Funding Database and take advantage of over 1,500 different options, covering hundreds of possible expenses your business may have.
What are the types of government funding options in the Northwest Territories ?
The province of Northwest Territories , including the mentioned local and regional government offices provide a large number of options for small business owners to take advantage of. These options vary from business to business, however the majority will come in the form of business grants, business loans and tax breaks/credits.
While these funds are all government funds, some can be government backed as well (via banks and lenders).
Northwest Territories Business Grants
Business grants, considered free money is often the best form of funding that a business owner can obtain as it can give a business several key benefits, including:
Government grants in Northwest Territories offer several benefits for businesses, including:
- Non-Repayable Funding: These are grants that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans, which helps businesses manage cash flow and reduce financial burden.
- Financial Support: These business grants provide crucial financial support, allowing businesses to invest in growth, innovation, and development without impacting their capital reserves.
- Risk Mitigation: Accessing these business grants reduces the financial risk associated with new projects, research and development, or expansion plans.
- Competitive Advantage: Government grants can enhance a business’s competitive edge by enabling investments in new technology, skilled labor, and market expansion.
- Encourages Innovation: Grants often target innovative projects, helping businesses develop new products, services, or processes that can lead to significant market advantages.
- Improves Credibility: Receiving a government grant can enhance a business’s credibility with investors, customers, and partners, as it demonstrates government support and validation of the business’s potential.
- Access to Expertise: Many grant programs offer additional resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, which can be invaluable for business growth and development.
- Job Creation: These business grants aimed at job creation help businesses hire more staff, contributing to local economic development and increasing the company’s operational capacity.
Northwest Territories Government Loans
Much like traditional bank loans, Northwest Territories government loans are not different in a standard sense that you are still borrowing money, however, government loans have number of key benefits to a business owner utilizing them, including:
- Lower Interest Rates: Government loans often come with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, making them more affordable and reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing businesses to choose repayment schedules that align with their cash flow and financial situation.
- Access to Larger Amounts: Government loans may provide access to larger amounts of capital than other funding sources, enabling businesses to undertake significant projects or expansions.
- Support for Specific Sectors: Many government loan programs are tailored to support specific industries or sectors, providing targeted financial assistance to businesses in those areas.
- Encourages Investment in Innovation: Government loans often support innovation and development projects, helping businesses invest in new technologies, research, and development efforts that can drive growth and competitiveness.
- Boosts Business Credit: Successfully securing and repaying a government loan can help build and improve a business’s credit history, making it easier to obtain additional financing in the future.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Government loans can facilitate job creation and contribute to local economic development, benefiting both the business and the wider community.
- Supplementary Support: In addition to financial assistance, government loan programs may offer supplementary support such as business advisory services, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Less Stringent Requirements: Government loans may have less stringent eligibility and collateral requirements compared to private sector loans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to qualify
Northwest Territories Tax Breaks / Tax Credits For Small Businesses
One of the easier funding types offered by the government of Northwest Territories and the federal government is the available tax breaks and credits. These tax breaks and credits directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes, resulting in significant cost savings that can be reinvested into the business.
By lowering tax liabilities, businesses retain more of their earnings, improving cash flow and financial stability. This also can encourage businesses to invest in new equipment, research and development, employee training, and other growth initiatives that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
No matter of the type of funding, be it a government business grant, a government loan, or a tax break/credit, as a startup or growing business, you should regularly check available government funding options in Northwest Territories and take advantage of them.
How Much Grant Money Or Funding Can I Get For My NWT Business
Our Funding Database currently has over 1,500 different funding options available.
A typical business owner in NWT, starting up, or expanding their business, will be eligible to 4-5 different options. Multiple more options, if regular funding searches are conducted (this is done by our experts for you).
Funding amounts and how much you can get in grant funding varies from business to business, as it is based on your specific funding needs, in accordance to the expenses that you wish to cover.
Currently, for 2026, business grants and funding ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 (larger options are available when combined)
Am I Eligible for NWT Small Business Grants?
Based on the current availability of government grants for small businesses in NWT, there are key factors that can determine eligibility. Not all factors apply to every program, but worth noting to help maximize your access to grants and funding.
☑️Business Location (often your city or region)
☑️Business Type (ie: your industry)
☑️Business Stage, or Business Size (new business, existing business, # of employees and revenue)
☑️Funding Needs (what the funds will be used for)
☑️Economic Impact (what your business can do for the economy; ie: create jobs)
It is important to note: Most cities and regions within NWT, offer some sort of government business grants and funding options to startups and existing business owners. While not every single business can get funds for every single type of expense, working with a funding expert can unlock potential to these options for you.
As mentioned, using our Funding Database, a typical business in NWT is eligible to 4-5 funding options!
2026 NWT Small Business Grants and Funding List - 95+ Options
Government funding options are constantly changing.
New city and regional options are constantly closing; and new incentives are coming in. Staying on top of these funding options is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any business grants and funding options for the rest of 2026.
Below is a list of over 95+ business grants, government loans and funding options that can help your small business in NWT.
If you wish to consider any of the options, speaking with a qualified expert is recommended - call 1-800-288-9691.
**Access 95+ Business Grants and Government Loans in the Northwest Territories **
See all Grants in the Northwest Territories below:
Program Name Funding Amount Description
Prospecting Support Program (SEED) $5,000 Funding for local prospectors to identify mineral opportunities in the Northwest Territories.
Prospecting Support Program $6,000 Supports prospecting activities including tools, equipment, and exploration work.
Northern Business Relief Fund Various Amounts Financial support for small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Canada.
Entrepreneur Support (SEED) – Film $25,000 Funding for film development, marketing, and production support in the NWT.
Small Tool Grants $2,500 Grants for artists and craftspeople to purchase tools and equipment.
Voyager Capital Various Amounts Early-stage investment support for innovative startups.
Entrepreneur Support (SEED) $25,000 General funding for entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories.
Canada-NWT Job Fund $10,000 Supports workforce training and skills development for employees.
ADAPT Fund $5,000 Supports digital adoption projects for businesses.
NOHFC Investment Grow Stream $1,000,000 Supports business expansion and productivity in Northern Ontario.
Community Futures NWT $150,000 Loans and support for economic development in NWT communities.
SEED – Market Development $15,000 Supports product promotion and expansion into new markets.
Training on the Job $15,600 Wage subsidies for hiring and training new employees.
SINED – Targeted Investment Various Amounts Supports economic development and infrastructure projects in Northern regions.
SINED – Partnership & Advisory Various Amounts Enhances coordination and knowledge sharing for economic development.
Pitch for the Purse Various Amounts Pitch competition funding for female entrepreneurs.
Funding for Canadian Small Businesses $300,000 General funding support for Canadian SMEs.
LaunchPad Various Amounts Supports businesses expanding into Prince Edward Island.
Business Development Project Fund (BDPF) $2,600 Funding for startups, expansion, and job-creating projects in the NWT.
SEED – Asset Acquisition $15,000 Funding for capital purchases and business expansion needs.
SEED Program (General) Various Amounts Broad support for entrepreneurs and communities in the NWT.
BDIC Term Loans $25,000 Loans to support business growth and economic development.
SEED – Business Intelligence $8,000 Supports networking and global market engagement.
SINED – Pan-Territorial Fund Various Amounts Supports multi-territory economic development initiatives.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development Fund $3,000,000 Supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and business expansion.
SEED – Start-Up Funding $15,000 Funding for startup business planning and development.
SEED – Entrepreneur Support $25,000 Helps businesses build capacity and improve operations.
SINED – Innovation & Knowledge Various Amounts Supports innovation, research, and technology projects in the North.
Northern Food Development Program Various Amounts Supports agriculture, fisheries, and food production initiatives.
Agriculture Development Program $10,000 Supports agricultural growth and sustainability projects.
Human Resource Development (Agriculture) $10,000 Supports agricultural training, workshops, and education.
Market Development Program $10,000 Supports marketing and promotion of agricultural products.
Agricultural Awareness Initiative $5,000 Supports education and awareness projects in agriculture.
Commercial Fisheries Support Program $75,000 Supports fisheries operations and cost reductions.
AgriInvest Various Amounts Business risk management support for farmers.
Agriculture & Agri-Food Research $10,000 Supports agricultural research and innovation projects.
Agriculture and Environment Program $10,000 Supports environmental sustainability in agriculture.
Food Security Research Grant $131,000,000 Supports Indigenous-led food security projects in Northern communities.
Northern REACHE Program $300,000 Supports renewable energy projects in Northern communities.
Self-Employment Option $26,000 Income support for individuals starting a business.
SEED – Capital Expansion $25,000 Supports business expansion projects.
Aboriginal Business Development Program $99,999 Supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with startup and growth funding.
SEED – Micro Business $5,000 Supports small-scale businesses and independent workers.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development (EBD) Various Amounts Supports Indigenous economic development initiatives.
SEED – Strategic Investments $75,000 Supports major business investments and expansion.
SEED – Community Economic Development $25,000 Supports community-based economic initiatives.
Arts Economic Development Program $25,000 Supports artists and arts organizations in product development and export.
Critical Minerals & Emerging Tech Various Amounts Supports innovation in minerals and advanced materials.
Bioenergy & Circular Economy Various Amounts Supports renewable energy and waste reduction projects.
Global Grand Challenges Network Various Amounts Supports global innovation projects addressing major challenges.
Humanitarian Grand Challenge $1,500,000 Supports scalable solutions for global humanitarian issues.
Grand Challenges Canada $3,000,000 Supports global health innovation projects.
National Arts Service Organizations Various Amounts Supports national arts organizations.
Arts Across Canada – Representation $30,000 Supports promotion and market development for artists.
OLMC Market Access Strategy Fund $60,000 Supports artists from official language minority communities.
Strategic Innovation Fund – Seed $25,000 Supports early-stage innovation projects.
Search and Rescue Initiatives Fund Various Amounts Supports improvements to Canada’s search and rescue systems.
Canada Digital Adoption Program $15,000 Supports digital transformation for SMEs.
R-LABS Entrepreneur Program Various Amounts Supports real estate entrepreneurs.
Safe & Connected Cities Accelerator Various Amounts Supports smart city and innovation startups.
Arts Festivals & Presenters Various Amounts Supports arts events and programming.
Artistic Institutions Program Various Amounts Supports major arts organizations.
Artistic Catalysts Program Various Amounts Supports innovative arts initiatives.
Thrive Impact Fund $700,000 Loan funding for impact-driven businesses.
Canada-UK Critical Minerals Program $500,000 Supports joint R&D projects in critical minerals.
Access Support – Strategic Funds Various Amounts Supports accessibility-focused projects and organizations.
Digital Greenhouse $50,000 Supports digital innovation projects.
Digital Generator $40,000 Supports artistic and creative digital projects.
Cultivate Grants $250,000 Supports large-scale arts and innovation projects.
Green Municipal Fund Various Amounts Supports sustainability and climate initiatives.
Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Various Amounts Supports newcomer-led startups.
Velocity Fund Various Amounts Supports early-stage startups.
Venture Ready Program Various Amounts Supports startup incubation and mentorship.
Techstars Accelerator $120,000 Funding and mentorship for startups.
Business Purchase Financing Various Amounts Supports acquisitions and business transfers.
Tech Company Financing Various Amounts Supports technology businesses.
Working Capital Financing $350,000 Supports operational cash flow needs.
Climate Tech Fund II Various Amounts Supports clean technology startups.