Small Business Support Program — Sustainable Livelihood Fund
Highlights
This program is a great opportunity for your business. It offers funding to help you attract, retain, and expand your operations. Whether you are in retail, tourism, arts, or any other sector, this program can provide the financial support you need.
What You Get
- Funding for business expenses such as insurance, licensing fees, office rentals, and utilities.
- Support for new business start-ups and expansions through the Small Business Opportunities Fund.
- Training and skill development assistance via the Entrepreneur Development Fund.
- Support for tourism, arts & crafts, and harvesting sectors through the Sustainable Livelihood Fund.
Why Apply?
- Flexible use of funds to cover essential business costs.
- Government-backed support ensures reliability and trust.
- Easy application process through local Community Economic Development Officers or Regional Community Operations Offices.
By being approved, you can stabilize and grow your business, making it more resilient and competitive. This program is designed to be accessible and beneficial, making it easier for you to qualify and receive the support you need.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
No repayment is required. This is a non-repayable grant.
Eligible Expenses:
The funds can be used for:
- Insurance or licensing fees
- Office rentals
- Utilities
- Non-refundable business expenses for goods that are unusable due to the pandemic
Ineligible Expenses:
The funds cannot be used for:
- Compensating for lost income or revenue
- Tax remittances
- Loan payments
- Owner drawings
Fees:
There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must have less than $500,000 in gross sales.
- Must have fewer than ten employees.
- Must be located in one of the following regions or communities:
- Across Nunavut
- Kitikmeot Region
- Kivalliq Region
- Various Communities
- Arctic Bay
- Arviat
- Baker Lake
- Cambridge Bay
- Chesterfield Inlet
- Churchill, Manitoba
- Clyde River
- Coral Harbour
- Gatineau, Québec
- Gjoa Haven
- Grise Fiord
- Igloolik
- Iqaluit
- Kimmirut
- Kinngait
- Kugaaruk
- Kugluktuk
- Naujaat
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Pangnirtung
- Pond Inlet
- Qikiqtarjuaq
- Rankin Inlet
- Resolute Bay
- Sanikiluaq
- Sanirajak
- Taloyoak
- Whale Cove
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Must be in good standing with no outstanding accounting or other contractual obligations with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses with outstanding accounting or other contractual obligations with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Description
This program offers your business funding to help with new business attraction, retention, and expansion. You can receive financial support for various expenses, such as insurance fees, office rentals, utilities, and non-refundable business expenses for goods that became unusable due to the pandemic.
You can use the funding for:
- Insurance or licensing fees
- Office rentals
- Utilities
- Non-refundable business expenses for unusable goods
The funding cannot be used for:
- Lost income or revenue
- Tax remittances
- Loan payments
- Owner drawings
The support covers costs incurred between November 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. This program helps ensure your business remains stable and can continue to grow despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Program Steps
Gather Necessary Documentation: Prepare the following documents to complete your application:
- Completed Small Business Support Program Application
- A short explanation of how the business has been affected by the pandemic
- Financial statements
- Business plan (if applicable)
- Quotes for any expenses you intend to cover with the funding
Complete the Application Package: Fill out the Small Business Support Program Application form thoroughly. Ensure all required information is accurate and complete.
Submit the Application Package: Submit your completed application package to your local Community Economic Development Officer or the relevant Regional Community Operations Office. You can find contact details for your region in the program guidelines.
Await Review and Approval: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed. Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested.
Receive Funding and Implement Plans: Upon approval, you will receive the funding. Use the funds as outlined in your application to support your business needs.
