Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Business Investment Fund
Get contribution funding toward eligible costs to launch or expand your Nunavut business. This is a cost-share program, so you pay first and get reimbursed for eligible costs like training or assets. Verified against the official source on July 3, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
The program is open continuously with no specific deadline stated, but approval must precede spending as it is a contribution toward eligible costs.
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 own a business in Nunavut that is majority-owned by residents.
- You are planning a start-up or expansion with eligible costs like marketing or physical assets.
- You are a rural resident or a new start-up, as these groups are prioritized.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside of Nunavut.
- Your business is not majority-owned by Nunavut residents or a local municipality.
- You need a guaranteed loan or grant, since this is a competitive contribution program.
How much you'd realistically get
From $50,000 up to $250,000 per project. Funding is capped at a 1:3 ratio of your project's arm's-length debt or equity financing, so the amount depends on how your project is financed.
What may be supported
- Business start-up and expansion projects.
- Training and professional development programs for staff.
- Marketing campaigns for business or community development.
- Community economic development projects and events.
- Acquisition and development of physical community assets.
What's excluded or restricted
- Companies located outside Nunavut
- Companies not majority-owned by Nunavut residents (or entities not majority-owned by municipalities, non-profits, or societies)
- not stated (other ineligible cost categories)
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must determine your project scope, confirm eligibility with the department, and submit an application. The specific form and process are not stated online, so expect to coordinate directly with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
- 01Determine your project scope and ensure it aligns with eligible costs such as start-up, expansion, training, or community development.
- 02Confirm your eligibility, specifically that your business is majority-owned by Nunavut residents and located within the territory.
- 03Contact the Department of Economic Development and Transportation at (867) 975-7866 or 1-888-975-5999 to obtain the specific application form and submission process, as these are not stated online.
- 04Prepare your required documents, which likely include a detailed project plan, budget, and proof of ownership and location.
- 05Submit your application to the Government of Nunavut, Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
- 06Wait for approval and sign the contribution agreement before incurring eligible costs.
Who to ask: Department of Economic Development and Transportation: Phone (867) 975-7866, Toll-free 1-888-975-5999
Documents commonly required
- Proof of business ownership and residency in Nunavut.
- Detailed project plan outlining start-up or expansion activities.
- Budget breakdown of eligible costs (training, marketing, physical assets, etc.).
- Proof of location and operation within Nunavut.
- Specific application form obtained from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store using start-up funds, giving you a professional digital storefront that works for customers across Nunavut and beyond.
- BBN runs your digital marketing campaigns and sets up Local SEO with the marketing budget, designed to help locals find your services when they search.
- BBN designs your signage and branding while coordinating qualified partners for installation, helping your storefront upgrades align with your expansion goals.
- BBN creates training programs for your staff on new tools and workflows, helping you meet the grant's professional development costs and boost team efficiency.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- The exact cost-share percentage isn't published up front; confirm your out-of-pocket share with the Government of Nunavut before you commit.
- The contribution runs from $50,000 up to $250,000, and funding can't exceed a 1:3 ratio of your project's arm's-length debt or equity financing.
- The exact application form and steps aren't posted online; contact the Department of Economic Development and Transportation to confirm how to apply.
- Funding is provided as a contribution toward eligible costs, meaning you must cover the remaining share and likely spend before receiving reimbursement or as agreed in the contribution agreement.
What are your odds?
Approval is not guaranteed; funding is competitive and prioritizes rural/northern residents and start-ups. Confirm your specific project fit with the department before investing significant time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the funding a loan or a grant?
It is a contribution funding program, which typically means it is a grant that does not need to be repaid, but you must share the cost. Confirm the exact terms and whether it is taxable on the official page.
What is the cost-share percentage?
The exact cost-share percentage isn't published up front. Confirm it on the official Government of Nunavut page or by contacting the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Can I apply if I am not a Nunavut resident?
No. The program is for businesses majority-owned by Nunavut residents, municipalities, or non-profit corporations and societies located and operating within Nunavut.
How do I submit my application?
The exact application form and steps aren't posted online. Contact the Department of Economic Development and Transportation at (867) 975-7866 or 1-888-975-5999 to confirm how to apply.
What you can combine it with
This is a provincial contribution program. Check if your project also qualifies for federal regional development funds or other territorial grants, but ensure you understand the rules on double-dipping for the same costs.
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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 July 3, 2026; last verified July 3, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.