Funding Available for NWT Businesses to Manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

News Type: 
Blog Entries

April 27, 2020

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is now accepting funding applications from Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses and artists interested in manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other non-medical products.

ITI will consider proposals that demonstrate a business case for the development of PPE and cloth face masks within the NWT.

Products include:

  • Certified medical face masks
  • Certified face shields
  • Certified hand sanitizer; and
  • Non-medical cloth face masks that can be used by the public

ITI will provide:

  • Up to $1,000 for the purchase of raw materials for the manufacturing of non-medical cloth facemasks; and
  • Up to $25,000 for the purchase of raw materials and equipment for the manufacturing of medically certified products. (Successful applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the capacity and expertise required to meet federal medical certification processes, and begin production in timely manner).

Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible to their regional ITI office in order to further discuss their ideas and approach.   Applications will only be accepted until market demand in the territory is met.

Consistent with public health guidelines to self-isolate, applications can only be sent, by e-mail, and should be directed to the appropriate ITI contact listed below:

 

Quotes

“An Important element to rebuilding our economy will be to “buy local”; in both our personal lives and in business. The Northwest Territories has a skilled manufacturing sector and the ability to develop Personal Protective Equipment within our borders. I’m happy to have our government lead the way in this regard. As we work together to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to acknowledge the hardworking businesses and manufacturers in the territory that continue to play a crucial role.”

- Katrina Nokleby, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment 

 

“Securing a local supply of protective equipment is one way to support business while we protect residents and workers from COVID-19. In fact, as global supply-chains continue to be strained, it’s a necessity we take action now to ensure our territory has the tools to rise to this challenge in the long-term. This is a win for everyone in situations where physical distancing is not possible, or who may come in contact with a COVID-19 patient – and a win for our economic well-being.”

-Dr. Kami Kandola, NWT Chief Public Health Officer

 

Related Links

Funding for this initiative is delivered under the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) program. The SEED application form can be accessed here

COVID-19 Media Requests, Contact
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
presssecretary@gov.nt.ca