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Business Advice, Funding

Tips on Getting Government Funding for a Start-Up

An In-Depth Guide to Securing Government Funding for Start-Ups in Nunavut: An article by Nunavut Startups

One key aspect for start-ups is procuring the necessary financial support. Fortunately, the Canadian government offers several funding programs tailored to assist new ventures. This in-depth guide will provide strategic advice on securing government funding for your start-up in Nunavut, featuring insights from successful applications, common pitfalls to avoid, and updates on policy changes due to COVID-19.

  1. Exploring Government Funding Programs: Begin your journey by researching funding programs specific to Nunavut. Entities such as the Nunavut Economic Development and Transportation Department and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (NBCC) offer significant support. Don’t neglect to review federal programs provided by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the National Research Council (NRC). Include case studies of businesses that have successfully obtained these funds to provide a clearer picture of success.
  2. Crafting a Convincing Business Plan: Your business plan is your roadmap to success and a crucial element in securing funding. It should include a comprehensive market analysis, potential risks, and a convincing argument for your business’s viability. Incorporate detailed financial projections to highlight efficient fund utilization and expected ROI, thereby enhancing the value proposition of your venture to decision-makers.
  3. Utilizing Business Incubators and Accelerators: Joining a business incubator or accelerator provides invaluable resources such as mentorship and networking opportunities. These entities have strong government connections and can facilitate access to funding programs. Use testimonials from entrepreneurs who’ve utilized these services to stress their importance.
  4. Partnering with Regional Development Agencies: Nunavut boasts several regional development associations and agencies, including the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. These groups can guide you through the funding landscape. Include instances where these agencies have aided start-ups in the past.
  5. Highlighting Economic Development and Job Creation: Government funding entities often prioritize ventures that promote economic development and job creation. In your funding proposals, emphasize your start-up’s positive impact on the local economy and its potential for sustainable growth.
  6. Understanding and Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Each funding program has unique eligibility requirements. Ensure your start-up meets these by carefully reviewing each program’s guidelines. In your application, address each assessment criterion explicitly to align your venture with the program’s objectives. Provide examples of common mistakes made during this stage and how to avoid them.
  7. Seeking Professional Assistance: Consider consulting local business support organizations like the Nunavut Economic Developers Association or the NBCC. These organizations offer guidance on funding opportunities and can help improve your application. Financial advisors specializing in government funding can also help navigate the process and ensure a well-rounded application.
  8. Networking and Persistence: Attending networking events allows you to connect with government officials, entrepreneurs, and potential investors. Discuss the importance of relationship-building for opening doors to funding opportunities. Encourage readers to follow up on their applications, as persistence can demonstrate commitment and improve the chances of funding approval.
  9. Preparing for Interviews: If your funding application progresses to the interview stage, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Offer tips on how to present your business case effectively, anticipate questions, and create a lasting impression.
  10. Staying Updated on Policy Changes: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant shifts in funding policies and new programs launched. Advise readers to stay updated by subscribing to newsletters, following official government websites, and utilizing social media platforms.

Securing government funding is a critical milestone for start-ups in Nunavut. With thorough research, a robust business plan, engagement with incubators and development agencies, careful attention to eligibility criteria, professional guidance, and diligent networking, entrepreneurs can navigate the funding landscape effectively. Remember, patience and persistence are vital, and with the right approach, your entrepreneurial aspirations can come to fruition.

Funding

How to Apply for Government Grants in Nunavut

It can be difficult to apply for government grants if you’ve never done it before.

However, there is no cause for alarm!

Here, you’ll find a step-by-step approach to securing the capital your company need for success.

To begin, you must determine which federal funding initiatives you qualify for.

If you own a business in Nunavut, you may qualify for one of the many grants and programs offered by the provincial government.

Spend some time researching the many business grants and programs offered by the provincial government of Nunavut to determine which ones are the greatest fit for your company’s needs.

Examples of popular sources of financing are:

Government Grants:

Money from the government is given to private companies, nonprofits, and individuals to assist them meet a specific need.

Research and development, extending into new markets, and product creation are all examples of such aims.

Applicants for government grants are usually evaluated on the basis of their demonstrated merit, or ability to benefit from the grant money.

The various grant categories are as follows:

Non repayable government grants are one of the most common types of grants available.

These grants are given to businesses or individuals without the expectation of repayment, meaning that you don’t have to pay the money back once you receive it.

There are a few different types of non repayable government grants, including:

Grants for small businesses:

Government grants are available to help new and existing small enterprises get off the ground.
These funds can be put toward a number of different endeavours, including the acquisition of new tools or the hire of additional staff.

Grants for research and development: Grants for research and development are offered to businesses that are looking to conduct innovative research and develop new products or services.

This type of grant can be used to cover the costs of conducting research, such as hiring consultants or purchasing lab equipment.

Grants for women entrepreneurs: Women business owners can apply for grants to help them get started or expand their businesses. These grants can be put toward a wide range of activities, including but not limited to the following: establishing a new company, increasing production capacity, or traveling to and participating in professional development seminars for business owners.

Grants for Indigenous entrepreneurs: Natives, Inuit, and Métis business owners who are just getting started or looking to expand their operations can apply for one of many available grants for Indigenous entrepreneurs. These grants can be put toward a wide range of activities, including but not limited to the following: establishing a new company, increasing production capacity, or traveling to and participating in professional development seminars for business owners.

In addition to these, there are startup grants, business expansion grants and skills training grants.

One time and renewable government grants are another type of grant that is available.

One time grants are typically awarded for a specific project or purpose, and are not renewable once they have been used up.

On the other hand, renewable grants are ongoing and can be used for a variety of purposes over an extended period of time.

The most common type of renewable grant is a operating grant, which is given to businesses on an annual basis to help cover the costs of running their business.

Partial contribution grants are another type of grant that is available.

Partial contribution grants are typically given to businesses or individuals who are unable to fully cover the costs of a project on their own.

The Nunavut government will partially fund the project, and the business or individual will be responsible for covering the rest of the costs.

Matching grants are another type of grant that is available.

Matching grants are typically given to businesses or individuals who are able to raise a certain amount of money on their own.

The Nunavut government will then match the funds that have been raised, and the business or individual will be responsible for covering the rest of the costs.

Government Loans

Loans from the government are essentially loans from the government to private companies or people.

These loans are preferred by businesses because their interest rates are cheaper than those offered by banks.

Several distinct varieties of federal loans exist, including:

Loans for small businesses: these financing options exist to help established enterprises with limited resources grow. New machinery or personnel are only two examples of how these loans might be put to good use.

Startup loans: Lending assistance is available for new firms in the form of startup loans.
Loans of this type might be put for things like business permits and first advertising costs.

Business expansion loans: Loans for business expansion are available for companies who want to grow their operations. These loans can be used to pay for everything from the lease on a larger office to the salaries of new employees.

Skills training loans: Skills training loans are offered to businesses that are looking to provide training for their employees. These loans can be used to cover the costs of training, such as hiring instructors or purchasing educational materials.

In addition to these, there are also loans for specific business sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Remember that government loans can often come in the form of no interest, or low-interest options, as well as government-guaranteed loans.

Government loan programs typically have more flexible eligibility requirements than traditional bank loans, making them a more accessible option for businesses.

The next step

After determining which government funding options are right for, be it a government grant or a government loan it’s time to start preparing your application.

The most important part of your application will be your business plan.

This is your opportunity to sell the government on why your business is worth investing in. Make sure to include detailed information on your business model, target market, and financial projections. If you have any existing customers or clients, be sure to mention them as well!

A good tool to use to develop your business plan is the business plan builder tool. It is created to guide you step by step based on what Nunavut government funding agencies want to see.

Once you’ve assembled all of the required documentation, it’s time to submit your application.

The best way to do this is online, through the government’s official website. You’ll need to create an account and fill out all of the necessary information before you can submit your application.

As each funding program/applicaton may have a different application method – be sure to work with an expert to get help with the process.

Applying for government grants can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following this simple guide, you’ll be well on your way to getting the funding your business needs to grow and succeed. good luck!

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