Nunavut Sivummut Program

1. Purpose

The purpose of the Nunavut Sivummut Program (NS) is to provide one-time grants of up to $2,000 to assist micro businesses, commercial renewable resource harvesters, and artisans to acquire the tools, equipment, parts and/or support required to start-up or expand their business.

2. Eligibility

Eligibility for funding is limited to individual Inuit who are registered Beneficiaries, pursuant to Article 35 of the Nunavut Agreement, and who are ordinarily resident in a community in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. In some cases, Inuit-owned businesses registered as such with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, or organizations representing harvesters or artisans may be eligible for funding.

3. Eligible Activities

Support may be provided for the following:

1. Start-up. Assistance may be provided for costs associated with planning, feasibility, engineering, start-up working capital or other developmental costs deemed to fall into this category by the Department of Beneficiary Services.
2. Equipment and Supplies. Assistance may be provided for the purchase of items necessary for operations, such as small tools, equipment, parts, materials and supplies.
3. Business Support. Assistance may be available for support activities which will improve the applicant’s chances of success, such as business training, website development, and promotion and marketing initiatives.

The following items will NOT be considered for funding:

• Boats
• Outboard motors
• Snowmobiles
• ATVs
• Generators

4. Application Procedure

An application for funding will generally include the following items:

1. A fully completed and signed application form (available from KIA);
2. Price quotes from suppliers for items requiring funding (in the case of freight charges, estimates of charges are acceptable); and
3. In the case of business support, copies of any proposals, contracts or agreements relevant to the project.

Applicants must generally contribute a minimum of 10% equity toward total project costs as evidence of commitment to the business or project. Acceptable forms of equity include cash, sweat equity, and assets contributed to the project by the applicant.

5. Administration

Terms of a grant are included in a Letter of Offer that is sent out to the client once funding has been approved. Grants are generally unconditional and non-repayable, provided the client complies with all of the terms in the Letter of Offer. Payment will be provided when:

1. The applicant has accepted the terms detailed in the Letter of Offer; and
2. The required equity is in place (for “sweat equity”, a commitment that the work will be performed).

6. Monitoring

Monitoring will be undertaken by the Department of Economic Development, with results reviewed by the CEDO Committee. Factors to be monitored could include jobs created and/or maintained, new skills development, and impacts on quality of life.

Need Assistance?

For more information or assistance applying, contact your local Community Liaison Officer (CLO).