Kakivak Association Business Funding Programs (Nunavut): How to Apply

Kakivak Association Business Funding Programs (Nunavut): How to Apply

Starting or growing a business in Nunavut comes with unique challenges, such as higher costs and fewer financing options. The Kakivak Association business funding programs are designed to support Inuit-owned businesses in the Qikiqtani Region. These programs offer grants and repayable loans that can help early-stage and growing ventures.

Kakivak Association is focused on helping Inuit businesses grow. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the main programs, who they are for, and how to apply.

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Overview of Kakivak Association Business Funding Programs

Kakivak Association is the regional Inuit economic development group for Qikiqtani (Baffin). Its programs are only for Inuit-owned businesses and aim to support local economic growth.

1. Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF)

The Economic Opportunity Fund is one of Kakivak’s most flexible programs. It is often used together with other sources of funding.

Key details:

• Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per year
• Type: Grant (can be combined with other funding)
• Eligible businesses:
  • Inuit-owned businesses
  • Tourism-based operations in Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, or Pangnirtung
• Use of funds: Business activities that create economic opportunities, including seasonal tourism operations
• Jurisdiction: Nunavut
• Status: Open

Businesses can receive this grant each year, making it helpful for recurring or seasonal costs.

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2. Sivummut Grants to Small Businesses

The Sivummut program supports businesses at many stages, including idea, start-up, and expansion.

Key details:

• Funding amounts:
  • Up to $5,000 for pre–start-up
  • Up to $10,000 for start-up
  • Up to $10,000 for expansion
  • Maximum $25,000 per business across all stages
• Type: Grant
• Eligible businesses:
  • Inuit-owned
  • Located in the Qikiqtani Region
• Extra support: Business training and advisory support may be included
• Jurisdiction: Nunavut
• Status: Open

This program is a good fit if you are not yet earning revenue but need funding to move forward.

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3. Makigiaqvik Loans

If your business needs more money, Makigiaqvik Loans provide repayable financing.

Key details:

• Funding amount: Up to $50,000
• Type: Loan (repayable)
• Interest rate: Fixed 8.5%
• Eligible businesses:
  • Inuit-owned
  • Operating in the Qikiqtani Region
• Use of funds: Planning, starting, or expanding a business
• Jurisdiction: Nunavut
• Status: Open

These loans are often used together with grants to cover bigger costs like equipment or start-up expenses.

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4. Small Tool Grants (Artists and Craftspeople)

This program supports cultural and creative businesses.

Key details:

• Funding amount: Up to $2,500
• Type: Grant
• Eligible applicants: Inuit artists or craftspeople
• Limit: Available once every five years
• Use of funds: Tools and supplies only
• Jurisdiction: Nunavut
• Status: Open

This is a targeted program for production costs, not general business expenses.

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How to Apply for Kakivak Association Business Funding

Each program has its own application, but the process is similar for all Kakivak funding.

Typical steps include:

1. Check eligibility
   Make sure your business is Inuit-owned and located in the Qikiqtani Region.
2. Prepare a simple business plan
   Describe your idea, costs, and how the funding will help your business.
3. List eligible expenses
   Funding must match the program’s purpose. You can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to filter programs by region and business stage.
4. Submit your application to Kakivak
   Applications are reviewed by Kakivak’s team.
5. Provide more information if asked
   You may need to send more details or documents.

Kakivak staff often help during the process. This support is especially helpful for first-time applicants.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing the wrong program
  For example, pre–start-up ideas should not apply for expansion funding.
• Requesting expenses that are not allowed
  Small Tool Grants cannot be used for rent or wages.
• Missing regional requirements
  All programs require activity in the Qikiqtani Region.
• Confusing loans and grants
  Makigiaqvik funding must be paid back, but Sivummut or EOF grants do not.
• Combining funding incorrectly
  Make sure you are not using different programs to pay for the same expense. Combining funding (also called “funding stacking”) is allowed in some cases, but only if you follow the rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for more than one Kakivak program?
Yes. Kakivak allows combining funding from different programs in some cases, especially when grants are used with Makigiaqvik Loans, as long as you do not use both for the same expense.

Q: Are Kakivak loans taxable income?
Loans are usually not taxable, but interest and repayments should be discussed with an accountant.

Q: Do I need an incorporated business?
Not always. Some programs support sole proprietors, especially at the pre–start-up stage. Check the rules for the fund you are interested in.

Q: How often can I receive the Economic Opportunity Fund?
Eligible businesses can receive EOF funding once per year.

Q: Is business training mandatory under Sivummut?
Training is not always required, but it is often encouraged and included as part of the support.

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Next Steps

Kakivak Association business funding programs are a strong starting point for Inuit entrepreneurs in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Region. If you want to see more options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and loan programs across Canada—including regional and Indigenous-led funding. This helps you find programs that match your business and see how they can be combined responsibly.

See also:

• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?