Second round of funding for Nunavut small businesses offered amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Government of Nunavut is offering a second payment of up to $5,000 to artists, retailers, tourism operators and other small businesses across Nunavut affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly $400,000 has already gone to 106 small businesses across the territory since the GN launched the grant program in the spring, said Nunavut’s minister of economic development, David Akeeagok, on Nov. 27.

“Our government is committed to supporting our businesses and helping them adapt and survive,” said Akeeagok. “I know they will one day thrive.”

Once businesses have reported the first contribution package they received, they are eligible for the second payment of up to $5,000.

Three different funds are available: one for new start-ups and expansions, another for training and skill development, and a third for those in the tourism, art and harvesting sectors.

To apply, business owners must fill out a form and describe how their business has been negatively affected by the pandemic.

The Department of Economic Development and Transportation has also created a new one-page form to help applicants calculate their working capital and other business costs.

More information is available on the department’s website.