Kakivak Association — Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses

Starting or growing a business in Nunavut often comes with unique challenges, from access to capital to finding hands-on business guidance. For Inuit entrepreneurs in the Qikiqtani Region, the Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses offered by the Kakivak Association are designed to make those early and expansion-stage steps more achievable. This program focuses on helping Inuit-owned small and medium-sized businesses move from idea to operation, or from a stable base to the next phase of growth, with non-repayable funding support that can be used at different stages of business development.

The Sivummut Grants can help cover costs during pre-start planning, initial start-up, or business expansion, with total support reaching up to around $25,000 per business over time. What sets this program apart is the combination of financial assistance and practical support. Kakivak’s Business Development Officers work directly with business owners to provide advice, planning assistance, and training to help strengthen day-to-day operations and long-term viability. In some cases, grant funding can also be coordinated with other financing options through Kakivak to support larger projects.

This opportunity is well suited for Inuit entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries who are serious about building sustainable, community-based businesses in Nunavut. For business owners who want to understand how the Sivummut Grants could fit into their plans, learning more about the requirements and support available is a strong next step.