Running a business in the Northwest Territories brings unique challenges. Costs are higher, markets are smaller, and getting a bank loan can be tough. The Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) offers loans and equity investments to help local businesses start and grow.
BDIC financing is not a grant. It is repayable funding or investment capital, provided by a Government of the Northwest Territories Crown corporation to support economic development in the territory.
BDIC is a territorial Crown corporation that provides commercial loans, equity investments, and business support to for-profit businesses in the Northwest Territories.
Unlike federal grant programs, BDIC works more like a public-sector lender or investor. Its main goal is to help viable businesses get capital when private financing is not available.
BDIC financing usually falls into two main categories:
Funding amounts are not fixed. BDIC looks at each application based on business risk, financial need, and economic benefit to the NWT.
Your business must meet several basic requirements to qualify for NWT BDIC financing.
Your business must:
BDIC supports many industries, such as retail, tourism, construction, manufacturing, professional services, and resource-based businesses.
Yes. Startups can apply for BDIC financing, but their applications are reviewed more closely. You will need:
Startups often combine BDIC financing with owner equity or other funding sources.
Applying for BDIC financing takes more effort than filling out a standard grant application. The process is similar to applying for a commercial loan.
Before you contact BDIC, gather these documents:
Many applications are delayed because they are incomplete.
BDIC encourages businesses to talk with their team early to check if BDIC financing is a good fit. Early contact helps you:
BDIC reviews each application to make sure the business can succeed. They look at:
Approval timelines depend on how complete and complex your application is.
You can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to quickly find programs by province and industry, including options that work well with BDIC support.
There is no set maximum for BDIC financing. The amount you can receive depends on:
Because BDIC uses public funds, it reviews each application carefully. BDIC is more flexible than private lenders but still checks for financial responsibility.
Yes — BDIC financing must be repaid or involves an investment, not a grant.
If you want to compare options, see:
Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained
Treating BDIC like a grant program
BDIC expects repayment or returns. Your financials must show you can meet these expectations.
Applying without a clear business plan
Vague plans or unrealistic projections will weaken your application.
Underestimating timelines
BDIC reviews can take time, especially for equity investments or bigger loans.
Ignoring other funding sources
BDIC often works best when combined with owner equity or other government programs.
Q: What is the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation?
BDIC is a Crown corporation of the Government of the Northwest Territories that provides loans and equity investments to support NWT businesses.
Q: What types of financing does BDIC offer?
BDIC offers repayable business loans and equity investments, depending on the project and level of risk.
Q: Who can apply for BDIC financing?
For-profit businesses operating in the Northwest Territories that show they can succeed can apply, including startups.
Q: How long does the BDIC application process take?
Timelines depend on the complexity of your application, how ready your finances are, and what type of funding you request. Larger or higher-risk projects usually take longer.
Q: Can BDIC financing be used with other grants or loans?
Yes. Many businesses combine BDIC financing with other territorial or federal programs, as long as the total funding is manageable.
GrantHub tracks active grant and loan programs across Canada so you can see which ones match your business profile.
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