Starting a business in the Northwest Territories (NWT) has its own challenges, like high costs, small markets, and remote locations. The good news is the territorial government offers local support and targeted programs to help you plan, launch, and grow your business in the North. With the right guidance and programs, you can reduce risk and build a stronger business from day one.
When you start a business in the Northwest Territories, you can access two main types of support: advisory services and financial assistance. Many entrepreneurs use more than one program at the same time.
Program: Economic Development Officers
Organization: Government of the Northwest Territories – Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Economic Development Officers are usually the first people new entrepreneurs meet in the NWT. They do not provide direct grants, but their advice and connections can make a big difference.
What EDOs help with:
Who can work with an EDO:
EDO services are offered by the government and are usually free.
Program: Prosper NWT — Advisory Services
Organization: Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC)
Prosper NWT gives practical tools and learning for people who want to start a business in the territory.
Advisory services include:
Eligibility:
This program is especially helpful when you are planning, before applying for money or registering your business.
Program: Self-Employment Program
Organization: Government of the Northwest Territories – Department of Education, Culture and Employment
If you need income support while building your business, the Self-Employment Program can help pay for your living costs during your first year.
Funding details:
Key eligibility rules:
This program is best for sole proprietors or early-stage startups that need time to become stable.
Many new business owners in the NWT use these programs together:
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find programs by territory, business stage, and industry.
1. Believing all support is cash
Many NWT programs focus on advice and planning instead of money. Advisory support is often just as valuable as funding.
2. Waiting too long to talk to an Economic Development Officer
EDOs can help before you register your business or apply for funding. Early meetings save time and prevent mistakes.
3. Ignoring repayable support rules
The Self-Employment Program must be repaid. Know the repayment terms before you apply.
4. Using southern Canada business ideas
Costs, supply chains, and markets are different in the North. Local advice is important.
Q: Do Economic Development Officers provide direct funding?
No. Economic Development Officers provide advice, mentoring, and connections, but not direct grants.
Q: Can startups use Prosper NWT advisory services?
Yes. Prosper NWT supports both new and established businesses in the Northwest Territories.
Q: Is the Self-Employment Program a grant?
No. It provides up to $26,000 over 52 weeks and is repayable support, not a non-repayable grant.
Q: Do I need a registered business to apply for the Self-Employment Program?
You must not have held a business licence for more than three months before applying.
Q: Are government advisory services free in the NWT?
Yes. Economic Development Officers and most Prosper NWT advisory supports are usually free.
Starting a business in the Northwest Territories is easier with local expertise and the right programs. Government support can help you plan better, lower risks, and find funding made for the North.
GrantHub tracks many active grant and support programs across Canada, including northern and territorial funding. You can quickly see which options fit your business before you apply.
See also:
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