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Business Advice, Business Planning

13 Profitable Home-Based Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs In Nunavut

In Nunavut, exploring home-based business opportunities can be a rewarding venture, especially for those looking to capitalize on the unique regional market. After extensive research on what’s trending and profitable in Canada, it’s clear that many home-based business ideas require significant investment. However, we’ve identified a selection of viable home-based business ideas that require minimal to no initial investment, tailored specifically for residents of Nunavut.

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Get Funding Potential For The 13 Businesses

Starting a Home-Based Small Business in Nunavut: Key Considerations

  • Assess your interests, available time, suitability, and financial capacity.
  • Remember, a home-based business may require more time and effort compared to a traditional business due to lower startup costs.

Promising Home-Based Business Ideas for Nunavut Residents

  1. Blogging: Start a blog on a niche topic relevant to Nunavut’s culture, environment, or lifestyle. Monetize through advertising, product sales, or email marketing. Startup cost: under $100.
  2. Online Selling: Utilize platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nunavut’s local online forums to sell products. Dropshipping is a low-investment option. Startup cost: under $100.
  3. Property Rental: Use platforms like Airbnb to rent out space in your home, especially during peak tourist seasons in Nunavut. Income potential varies based on location and property type.
  4. Ride-Sharing/ Food Delivery Services: If you have a vehicle, consider joining ride-sharing or food delivery services prevalent in Nunavut’s larger communities.
  5. Freelance Writing: With digital media growth, content creation for websites and blogs is in high demand. Writing about Nunavut’s unique lifestyle, culture, and environment can be particularly profitable.
  6. Thrift Store and Garage Sale Reselling: Purchase items from local thrift stores or garage sales and resell them online for a profit.
  7. E-commerce via eBay, Etsy, Amazon: Sell unique Nunavut crafts, artwork, or local products online.
  8. Home Inspection Services: With a certification, offer home inspection services, a growing need in Nunavut’s developing housing market.
  9. Tutoring Services: Offer online or in-person tutoring in subjects you’re skilled in, catering to both children and adults.
  10. Christmas Decorations Business: Seasonal business opportunity for decorating homes during the festive season.
  11. Mobile Oil Change and Car Washes: Offer convenient vehicle maintenance services at customers’ homes.
  12. Home-Based Daycare: If you enjoy working with children, consider starting a daycare service at home.
  13. Photography: Utilize Nunavut’s stunning landscapes and wildlife for a photography business.
  14. Cleaning Services: Start a cleaning business catering to residential and commercial clients.

Each of these ideas has been selected for their feasibility in Nunavut, considering the unique geographic and cultural context. For anyone in Nunavut looking to start a small business, remember the importance of a solid business plan as your first step.

Funding and Support for Your Nunavut Home-Based Business

  • Explore funding options available specifically for Nunavut entrepreneurs.
  • Seek local business support networks to guide you through the startup process.

To download a guide on funding potential for these 13 business ideas and get more insights tailored for Nunavut, click the link below: [Download Funding Potential Guide]

 Don’t Forget About Your Starting Your Business:
Get Funding Potential For The 13 Businesses

These ideas are just a starting point. With creativity and local market understanding, you can adapt these concepts to create a successful home-based business in Nunavut.

Business Advice, Business Concept and Planning, Business Planning

The 20-Minute Business Plan – Free Business Plan Model

As you start a business in Nunavut, one of the more challenging steps is creating a business plan.  What to write, how to write it, what to include and what not to include – it becomes more challenging the more you think about it.

We’ve created a 20 Minute Business Plan template for you. More so, a business plan canvas that you can get done in literally 20 minutes – in order to kick start your business, apply for funding and more.

Download the Free Template Now

The 20-Minute Business Plan

If this hits home for you, take comfort in knowing you are not alone and that there is still time. Time to layout your ideas for your business, to create a plan, to figure out how you will find the money to do it, and to start applying for those funds. It is not too late to accomplish your business goals for 2018.

But you do have to start now!

Need help getting in the ‘mood’…the entrepreneurial mood, that is! We’ve got you covered.

The Business Model Canvas is just the tool you need to get your small business gears a-grinding. We call it the 20-Minute Business Plan as it will get you thinking and considering all of the most important aspects of your business, its goals and how you intend to achieve them….without getting into all of the nitty-gritty details of a traditional Business Plan.

You can complete your entire canvas on a single page, in just 9 small sections that cover all the key aspects of any business: what the business offers, its team members, its customer-base, its partnerships and revenue streams.

The Business Model Canvas you create will provide focus on what’s driving the business; flexibility to modify and try different things; as well as transparency.

Download the Free Template Here

Download your very own Business Model Canvas and dedicate 20-minutes of your time to achieving your 2024 business goals. Follow the included instructions to properly complete each section of the canvas and reveal the next steps for your small business.

Already have a Business Model Canvas? Get one of our other helpful downloads below:
Small Business Funding Course
Fishing For Funds: A Startup Funding Checklist
Funding Program Fact-Sheet: The Nunavut Small Business Financing Program
Business Plan Essentials

Ready to start your Business Model Canvas? If you have any questions at any point, feel free to contact us to help you get through it. Good luck!

Business Advice, Business Planning

Grants Guide: Nunavut Small Business Grants

Nunavut Small Business Grants Guide

As an entrepreneur or small business owner in Nunavut, understanding the range of available government grants is crucial to your business success. This comprehensive guide details the various grants accessible for small businesses in Nunavut.

Small business grants in Nunavut are diverse and well-structured, allowing you to easily find and apply for the right ones. Knowing where to find information on grants, how to utilize the funds, the grant amounts, and the application process is essential.

Nunavut offers a variety of small business grants, including environmental, agricultural, economic development, technological innovation, arts and culture, as well as grants specifically for business owners with disabilities and women entrepreneurs.

Download the 2024 Nunavut Grants Guide: Nunavut Small Business Grants Overview

The Nunavut government, along with various local and federal agencies, offers multiple small business grant programs. These grants are designed to support the unique economic and cultural landscape of Nunavut.

Types of Grants Available:

  1. One-Time and Renewable Business Grants: These are aimed at covering specific start-up or expansion costs and may be applied for again for recurring expenses like training or wage support.
  2. Partial Contribution Grants: These grants require business owners to match a portion of the funding, working in a partnership model with the government.
  3. Non-Repayable Government Grants: Ideal for business owners, these grants do not require repayment and are used for specific business needs.

In addition to grants, Nunavut businesses may also qualify for government loans, tax breaks, and tax credits.

One-Time and Renewable Business Grants:

  • These grants are vital for covering various startup or expansion costs.
  • They include funding for initial costs, renovations, or long-term investments.

Partial Contribution Government Grants:

  • These require you to match a portion of the funding, acting as a co-investment in your business.

Non-Repayable Government Grants:

  • As the name suggests, these grants do not need to be repaid.
  • They are allocated for specific, qualifying business needs.

Access to Government Grants:

  • The Nunavut Funding Database provides a comprehensive list of all available grants, government loans, and tax incentives.
  • This database is a valuable resource for searching and applying for relevant grants.

Applying for Grants:

  1. Business Plan: Your first step is a well-crafted business plan that outlines your business model, growth strategies, and specific funding needs.
  2. Financial Projections: Include a three-year financial projection in your plan, essential for new startups to demonstrate potential success.
  3. PitchDeck Presentation: While not mandatory, a PitchDeck is a concise, visual representation of your business plan, useful for impressing potential funding agencies.
  4. Understanding Funding Programs: Knowing which grants to apply for is crucial. The Funding Database offers access to over 1,500 different funding programs.

Grant Utilization:

  • Grants can cover a wide range of business needs, from hiring and training to marketing and purchasing equipment.

Determining Your Funding Needs:

  • Base your funding requirements on your business plan, considering what you need to start or expand your business.

Industry-Specific Funds:

  • Grants are available across various industries, including mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and more. It’s essential to find the ones that align with your business.

For a complete understanding of available grants and their application process in Nunavut, download the comprehensive guide and start exploring the opportunities that can help grow your business.

Recieve the 2024 Nunavut Grants Guide: Nunavut Small Business Grants Overview

Business Advice, Business Planning

Nunavut Government Funding Checklist

Download the Nunavut Government Funding Checklist

The Canadian Government Funding Checklist is a super easy way to follow an exact checklist of items to help you and your small business secure the needed funding via government of Nunavut programs and options. Take a moment to fill out the form below to get the free checklist and start the government funding process for your own small business.

Nunavut Government Funding Checklist Details

As a small business owner in Nunavut , or if you are considering getting into business, the one thing that you will likely need, especially in today’s climate, is funding for your business. The Canadian government provides great resources (money), to help individuals start and expand their businesses, in order to boost the economy, to create jobs and to help support the entrepreneurial spirit across the country.

That being said, the process of getting government funding isn’t always simple to understand or follow.

The checklist created here by Nunavut Startups will help you confirm on 4 key points, to ensure your success with government funding for your own small business:

  • Your business plan
  • The funding needs
  • Starting the funding search
  • The funding applications

Sounds simple; however over 80% of government funding applications are refused, or denied due to issues found within each of these 4 steps.

The checklist that you can download below, will explain in clear detail, the key points surrounding each of the 4 steps, and will guide you to ensure you avoid the common mistakes as you push your way through the funding obstacles – to get funded!

Get instant access to the Nunavut Government Funding Checklist [FREE]

Business Advice, Funding

4 Easy Steps for a Small Business Grant in Canada

A significant lifeline for small business proprietors in Canada is the availability of grants. Such financial aid can equip entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to initiate and expand their ventures.

This article offers a step-by-step guide, streamlined into four manageable stages, to aid you in navigating the process of procuring a small business grant in Canada in just 4 easy topics.

Topic 1: Research available grants

When applying for a small business grant in Canada, it is essential to understand the various options available. Start by exploring government websites, such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). These organizations often offer grants to support innovative businesses. Additionally, some provinces and territories may have local grant programs specifically tailored to small businesses.

Topic 2: Determine eligibility requirements

Once you have identified potential grant opportunities, evaluate their eligibility criteria. Each grant program will have its own set of requirements, so it is crucial to assess whether your business meets these criteria before investing time in the application process. Consider factors such as industry, location, company size, revenue, and the purpose of the grant. By understanding the eligibility requirements, you can focus on grants that align closely with your business goals and increase your chances of success.

Topic 3: Prepare a compelling grant proposal

Crafting a well-written and persuasive grant proposal is vital to secure funding for your small business. Take the time to research and understand the format and guidelines of the grant application. Clearly articulate your business’s mission, goals, and how the grant will benefit your company. Provide detailed financial plans, market analysis, and any relevant past performance data to demonstrate your business’s viability and potential. Remember to showcase your passion and commitment to your entrepreneurial journey, as this can significantly impact the decision-making process.

Topic 4: Seek professional assistance if needed

Applying for grants can be a complex and time-consuming process. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking professional assistance. Small business development centers, grant consultants, or experts in your industry can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the application process. They can help you understand the specific requirements of each grant, offer feedback on your proposal, and increase your chances of success.

Securing a small business grant in Canada can significantly impact your entrepreneurial journey by providing the necessary financial support. To maximize your chances of success, dedicate time to research available grants, understand eligibility requirements, prepare a compelling grant proposal, seek assistance if needed, and follow up on your application. By carefully following these four easy steps, you can navigate the grant application process and increase your chances of receiving funding for your small business in Nunavut, Canada. Best of luck as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey!

Take the hassle out of business planning with our user-friendly Business Plan Builder tool. Build a comprehensive plan with financial statements, and position yourself for government funding opportunities.

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

Why You Need a Business Plan to Gain Government Funding

Securing the necessary funding to get your business off the ground can be a challenging task. Developing a comprehensive business plan is one effective way to secure financial support. In this article, we will explore the 6 main reasons why having a business plan is crucial when seeking government funding. By understanding the importance of a well-crafted business plan, you can increase your chances of securing the financial resources you need to start and grow your business.

I. State your business goals and objectives clearly

– Outline your long-term vision for your business

– Clearly define your short-term goals and objectives

– Showcase how your business will benefit Nunavut, both economically and socially

To gain government funding, it is essential to clearly articulate your business goals and objectives. A well-defined business plan will allow government agencies to understand how your business aligns with their priorities and how it will contribute to the development of Nunavut. By showcasing the social and economic benefits of your venture, you can make a compelling case for government funding.

II. Demonstrate market demand and feasibility

– Conduct market research to identify potential customers and competitors

– Showcase how your business fills an existing market gap or addresses a specific need

– Provide evidence of market demand for your products or services

Government agencies want to invest in businesses that have a high likelihood of success. By conducting thorough market research and including this information in your business plan, you can demonstrate the feasibility of your business concept. Highlight the potential customer base, identify your competitors, and explain how your business will differentiate itself. This will assure government funders that your business has a viable market and is likely to generate revenue.

III. Develop a detailed financial plan

– Estimate start-up costs and the initial investment needed

– Project revenue and expenses for the first few years of operation

– Highlight your business’s potential profitability and return on investment

A well-structured financial plan is crucial when seeking government funding. It demonstrates that you have carefully considered the financial aspects of your business and have a clear understanding of the financial resources required. Include a detailed breakdown of your start-up costs, such as equipment, inventory, marketing, and personnel. Moreover, provide revenue and expense projections for the first few years of operation to showcase the sustainability and profitability of your business.

IV. Outline your marketing and sales strategies

– Identify your target market and how you plan to reach them

– Develop a marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals

– Showcase your sales projections based on market research

Government funders will want to understand how you plan to market and sell your products or services. Clearly outline your target market and detail how you will reach them through various marketing channels, such as online advertising, social media, or local events. Additionally, demonstrate your understanding of your customer’s needs and buying behaviors to convince government agencies that your business has a solid marketing and sales strategy in place.

V. Explain your operational plan

– Detail the logistical and operational aspects of your business

– Outline your staffing needs and explain the skills and experiences required

– Showcase any partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your operations

Government funders want to ensure that your business is well-prepared to handle logistical and operational challenges. Include a detailed operational plan that outlines how your business will function daily. Explain your staffing needs and highlight any relevant skills and experience required. If you have partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your operations, clearly outline these as well. This will assure government agencies that your business is well-organized and capable of delivering on its promises.

VI. Highlight your commitment to Nunavut’s economic growth and development

– Showcase your dedication to creating job opportunities within the community

– Explain how your business will contribute to the local economy

– Detail any plans for community involvement, such as supporting local suppliers

Government funding often comes with the expectation that the recipient will contribute to the economic growth and development of the region. Highlight how your business plans to create job opportunities within the community and provide training and development for residents. Additionally, explain how your business will contribute to the local economy, whether through local procurement or other initiatives. Demonstrating a strong commitment to Nunavut’s economic well-being will significantly increase your chances of securing government funding.

In the competitive landscape of starting a business in Nunavut, having a well-crafted business plan is essential to gain government funding. By clearly articulating your business goals, demonstrating market demand, providing a detailed financial plan, outlining marketing and sales strategies, explaining the operational plan, and highlighting your commitment to Nunavut’s economic growth and development, you can make a compelling case for financial support. Remember, a comprehensive business plan not only helps secure government funding but also serves as a roadmap for your business’s success.

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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