Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Mentorship Program

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As of March 2024, this pilot program is not currently active. 

Overview

Are you an entrepreneur with an idea but no experience in business?

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Mentorship Program (EEBMP) is here to help as part of the Government of the Northwest Territories' commitment to increase employment in small communities and prepare residents for current and future job and business development opportunities.

The Program is designed to support and encourage young and/or inexperienced Northwest Territories (NWT) entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary skills and business acumen to enable them to maximize their potential, improve their leadership skills, and become successful and profitable business owners.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is working with Catalyste+ to match mentees with suitable mentors as well as provide expertise and guidance to participants.

Who is Catalyste+?

Catalyste+ is a leading economic development organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in Canada and globally. Catalyste+ has nearly 50 years of business mentorship experience, with over 50,000 assignments successfully delivered in 122 countries worldwide.

Funding Available

Option 1: In-person mentorship

In-person mentorship allows the mentor and mentee to work together on site at the mentee’s place of business. Each mentee receives three days of in-person, on site mentorship as well as four days of virtual mentorship using web and/or telephone on a schedule developed to suit their availability.

  • Funding covers costs up to a maximum of $5,500 per person
  • ITI provides funding to Catalyste+ who then administers and provides funding to mentors.
  • All allocations are subject to fund availability.

 

Option 2: Virtual mentorship

Virtual mentorships involve the mentor and the mentee working together remotely with the use of web and/or telephone technology.  Each mentee receives 49 hours of virtual mentorship on a schedule developed to suit their availability.

  • Funding will cover costs up to a maximum of $2,600 per person.
  • ITI provides funding to Catalyste+ who then administers and provides funding to Mentors.
  • All allocations are subject to fund availability.

Eligible costs are as determined in an agreement between Catalyste+ and ITI for the mentorship initiative. Eligible costs may include travel to the mentee or mentor’s place of business.

Deadline

This program is currently inactive and not accepting applications.

Eligibility 

Mentees

To be eligible for the program, mentees must:

  • Be a resident of the NWT; and
  • Be legally entitled to be a business in the NWT

Having a Business Plan is an asset for participation in the program.

For more information about who is eligible to apply for the program, please read the program guidelines.