Community Futures Program Northwest Territories
Grow your NWT business with term loans up to $200,000 or wage subsidies for new entrepreneurs. This is repayable financing, not a grant, so you will pay back the loan with interest. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm approval and loan terms with your regional office before spending 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 one of the 33 communities across the Northwest Territories.
- You need financing up to $200,000 to start or grow your business.
- You are unemployed and want to use a wage subsidy to cover your initial salary while starting out.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside the Northwest Territories.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding since this program offers loans and subsidies.
- You need immediate cash without a business plan or counseling process because loans require review.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $200,000 for term loans; wage subsidy amounts vary by case.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Purchasing equipment or inventory
- Covering initial wages for the owner (via wage subsidy)
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your regional office, likely prepare a business plan, and engage in counseling.
- 01Contact your regional Community Futures office using the phone numbers provided.
- 02Discuss your business idea and determine if you qualify for a loan, guarantee, or wage subsidy.
- 03Prepare your business plan and financial projections with the help of their counseling services.
- 04Submit your application and required documents to the regional office.
- 05Review the loan terms and interest rates before signing.
Who to ask: Contact your regional ITI office: 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). Or visit the NWT Community Futures Association at http://www.nwtcfa.ca/.
Documents commonly required
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Personal identification
- Proof of unemployment (for wage subsidies)
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your NWT business a digital storefront that works while you focus on operations.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the financing so customers in your community find you when searching online.
- BBN implements a Google review system and digital marketing with the loan capital, turning your new customers into loyal advocates who drive steady growth.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is financing, not a grant. You must repay the loan with interest.
- Commercial-style terms usually apply, and you may need to show a regular bank would not fully cover you.
- Interest rates and specific fees are not published; confirm these details with your regional office.
- Wage subsidies are only for unemployed individuals starting a new business.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your ability to service the debt and the viability of your business plan, not a competition.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money taxable?
Loan proceeds are not taxable income. Wage subsidies may have tax implications; confirm with a tax professional.
What are the interest rates?
Interest rates aren't published; confirm the current rate with your regional Community Futures office.
Can I get a loan guarantee instead of a direct loan?
Yes, loan guarantees are available. Confirm the specific terms and eligible lenders with your regional office.
What you can combine it with
You can often combine this with other grants or tax credits, but confirm with your lender.
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 June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.