NIHB FORMS & DOCUMENTS MEMBERSHIP THE ASSEMBLY

Business Grant

A total of $100,000 in funding is available each fiscal year (April 1-March 30). Eligible and approved applicants may receive up to a maximum of $10,000 annually, and up to $25,000 over the lifetime of the program. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted within a fiscal year.

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Business Grant Program (BGP) Guide

The Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Education and Economic Development is pleased to offer the Business Grant Program (BGP). The program provides annual, one-time, non-repayable cash contributions to eligible registered Inuit businesses listed on the Inuit Business Registry (IBR).

Program Objective

The goal of the BGP is to support business development (start-up, growth and diversification) among Inuit businesses across all business structures (including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, non-profits, and more) and all sectors and industries.

Funding and Timeframes

  • A total of $100,000 in funding is available each NG fiscal year (April 1-March 30).
  • Eligible and approved applicants may receive up to a maximum of $10,000 annually, subject to availability of funds (up to $25,000 over the lifetime of the program).
  • Program operates on a reimbursement model (all project costs must be incurred after application approval date). Costs associated with purchases prior to grant approval are not eligible grant expenses (but may be considered as verification of personal investment – see below in Assessment Criteria)
    • An Advanced Payment Option (APO) is available for partial or full upfront payment if proof of need is verified in Application. The APO is reviewed a case-by-case basis.
  • Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted within the fiscal year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the BGP, applicants must:

  • Be a Beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (LILCA) and possess an N#.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be registered with the Inuit Business Registry (IBR) and possess an IBR#.
  • Have a business banking account (required to receive funds).
  • Be an operational business within the NG fiscal year they are applying.
  • Completed a full application and provide the following required documents:
    • Letter of support from an additional funding source, potential customer, or anyone who supports the business case.
    • Business Case
    • Financial Forecasting
    • Copies of Quotes and Invoices
    • Verification of Personal Investment

Application Process and Timeframes

  1. All interested applications must fill out an online Client Inquiry Form to begin the process. Client Inquiry Form will be reviewed within 5 working days of submission date.
  2. After initial screening, eligible applicants will be asked to submit a full application and supporting documents. Application response will be received within 6 weeks of submission date.
  3. Applications are reviewed by the Selection Committee monthly, and approved funding is allocated until annual limit is reached.

For assistance with registering your Inuit business on the Inuit Business Registry, please contact sandi.michelin@nunatsiavut.com

Application Evaluation and Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated using an Evaluation Matrix points system based on the following criteria:

  • Completeness and clarity of the application and required documents
  • Strength and viability of the business case
  • Demonstrated financial need and proposed use of funds
  • Evidence of personal investment
  • Potential impact and benefit to the Inuit community
  • Alignment with program objective of supporting business growth and development

All decisions are made by the Selection Committee made up of three Economic Development staff, applying consistent standards and prioritizing applications based on merit and order of receipt.

Reporting Criteria:

Approved grant recipients must:

  • Submit a final report outlining how funds were used
  • Provide evidence of expenditures (e.g., receipts, invoices)
  • Report on business outcomes within the fiscal year

Failure to comply with reporting requirements may affect future eligibility.

Appeals Process

If your application is declined, you may submit a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision. Appeals should clearly state the grounds for reconsideration and provide any additional relevant information. Appeals will be reviewed by a designated Appeals Committee separate from the Selection Committee, and a final decision will be communicated in writing.

Contact Information

For more information about the BGP, application support, or registration contact Mary (Binky) Andersen:

Download application: BGP-Client-Inquiry-Form Fillable June2026