Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments
Get up to $75,000 in cost-share funding to expand your NWT business and create local jobs. You must secure approval before spending and contribute 20% to 30% of project costs yourself. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come before spending; do not start work or incur costs until your application is approved.
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 are an NWT-based business planning a large expansion that directly creates local jobs.
- You have secured or can secure funding from sources outside the Government of Northwest Territories.
- Your project aligns with regional economic plans, especially if it involves technology or innovation.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not based in the Northwest Territories.
- You cannot show that your project will directly increase local business activity or employment.
- You cannot contribute the required equity of 30% for Group 1 communities or 20% for Group 2 communities.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $75,000, depending on project size and your required equity contribution.
What may be supported
- Large business expansions that increase local economic activity
- Projects that directly result in increased local employment
- Investments in technology and innovation (priority status)
- Projects consistent with Department strategies or regional economic development plans
What's excluded or restricted
- Projects that do not directly increase local business/economic activity.
- Projects that do not directly result in increased local employment outcomes.
- Projects that do not leverage funding sources outside the GNWT.
- Projects inconsistent with Department strategies or regional economic development plans.
- Applications containing deceit, falsehood, or dishonesty, including withholding information that could materially affect the outcome.
- Applications where the applicant has offered or been asked to provide a benefit to a GNWT employee/official or family member to influence the outcome.
- Applications where the applicant has used or attempted to use threats or intimidation to influence the outcome.
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea before developing the proposal, complete a detailed application form, and attach all required documents.
- 01Contact your regional Economic Development Officer to discuss your idea prior to developing your proposal (strongly recommended).
- 02Ensure your project meets all eligibility criteria, including leveraging outside funding and creating local employment.
- 03Complete the SEED Application Form.
- 04Attach all required documents identified in the application checklist.
- 05Submit the completed application form to your regional office.
Who to ask: Regional Offices: 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). Phone Directory: http://rdirectory.gov.nt.ca/rDirectory.aspx
Documents commonly required
- SEED Application Form
- Documents identified in the application checklist (specifics not stated in source; confirm on the official page)
- Evidence of leveraged outside funding
- Project Start/End dates
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and e-commerce store to capture new customers and drive sales growth as you expand your operations.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and your Google Business Profile so customers in your region find you when searching for your services.
- BBN implements a Google review system and digital marketing campaigns to build trust and attract more clients to your growing business.
- BBN deploys a modern POS system and automation tools to streamline operations and support the increased staff you are hiring.
- BBN coordinates your expansion project and organizes the required quotes and documentation to keep you on deadline for funding approval.
What to know before you count on it
- You must provide significant equity: 30% of project costs if you are in Group 1 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik) or 20% if in Group 2 communities (all other NWT communities).
- You must leverage funding from sources outside the Government of Northwest Territories; this money does not stand alone.
- Priority is given to technology and innovation projects when funding is limited, which may disadvantage traditional expansion projects.
- Payment mechanics (upfront vs reimbursement) are not stated in the source; confirm on the official page.
What are your odds?
Competition is high because priority is given to technology and innovation projects; meeting with ITI before submission is required to gauge fit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay this money back?
This is cost-share funding, which usually means money you keep rather than repay. Confirm the specific terms on the official page.
When can I apply?
Intake runs annually from April 1 to March 31. Confirm the current status with your regional Economic Development Officer.
What is the equity requirement?
You must contribute 30% of project costs if you are in Group 1 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik) or 20% if in Group 2 communities (all other NWT communities).
Can I apply if I am not investing in technology?
Yes, but priority is given to applications investing in technology and innovation when funding limitations require prioritization.
What you can combine it with
This program requires you to leverage outside funding, so it is designed to stack with other loans or grants (e.g., Prosper NWT Loan or Investment).
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 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.