Updated May 22, 2020 at 2:05pm
Below is a compilation of supports available to NWT businesses – including tour operators, artists, filmmakers, agriculturists and more - during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated on an ongoing basis. Please check back regularly.
GNWT Business Resources
Funding for NWT Businesses to Manufacture Personal Protective Equipment
NWT businesses and artists can apply for funding to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including: certified medical face masks, certified face shields, certified hand sanitizer, and non-medical cloth face masks. Up to $1,000 is available for the purchase of raw materials for non-medical cloth facemasks, and up to $25,000 is available for raw materials and equipment for the manufacturing of medically certified products. Learn more.
BDIC - Working Capital Loans
The GNWT is offering low interest loans to business operators through the Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC). Loans of up to $25,000 (or more if need is clearly addressed) are being made available to qualified NWT businesses at a rate of 1.75%.
BDIC - Deferred Loan Payments
From April 1 – September 24, 2020, clients (borrowers) of the Business Development and Invest Corporation (BDIC) can apply to reduce or defer up to three months of loan payments without penalty or additional interest charges.
Requests for payment reductions or deferments must be received by the appropriate ITI regional office no later than the 24th day of the month prior to the payment date.
Artist and Filmmaker Resources
Independent Arts Resources
- CBC News has compiled a list of independent resources for Canadian artists and freelancers as to where they can find help during the COVID-19 shutdowns. It is being updated regularly.
- The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has launched an online information hub to help Canadian workers and companies in screen-based industries navigate the programs and resources available to those affected by COVID-19.
Arts Organizations
Resources for NWT Artists through Education, Culture and Employment
Information on NWT Arts funding through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
CBC Creative Relief Fund
In response to the economic challenges created by COVID-19, the CBC has developed a Creative Relief Fund valued at $2 million. Click the link for more information.
Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council will continue to process grant payments as usual. Visit the Canada Council for the Art website for information for artists/organizations in need of emergency funding and more on federal government support measures.
Canadian Heritage Grants Related to COVID-19
The Department of Canadian Heritage will continue to accept applications for future activities. Please visit their website for contact information.
Have you recently received or applied for funding under Canadian Heritage grants? Visit this website for a FAQ on handling cancellations or postponing activities.
Tool for Risk Assessment
This handy tool is designed to help you assess gatherings and help organizations decide how to proceed, however please review
Metric Categories Document
This document helps artists gauge and track the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector.
Tool to track COVID-19 Revenue Loss for the Creative Sector
This tool allows artists to monitor and document revenue lost during COVID-19 for reporting purposes.
Canadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is working to support museums across the country. Visit their website for more information.
Agriculture Resources
Farm Credit Canada
Farm Credit Canada is administering additional funds from the Federal Government through various lending programs with new payment deferral options. For more information, see the FCC website.
Information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
The CFIA provides updates regarding the virus and food production in Canada. The CFIA reports that there is currently no evidence to suggest that this virus is circulating in animals in Canada. Imports and exports of plants and animals to and from Canada are not currently affected. As more information becomes known, the CFIA will take any necessary action to protect the safety of Canada's plants and animals. As always, CFIA encourages producers to follow normal biosecurity measures by continuing to consider the potential risks associated with various people entering their business premises and implement measures to manage these visits.
For more information on on-farm disease prevention, producers are encouraged to consult the National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles and National Farm-Level Biosecurity Planning Guide. Additional information is available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (questions and answers on COVID-19).
Federal Resources
The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has developed one of the most fulsome comiplations of resources availble. Click here for the plain-language, up-to-date list of resources available from the Federal Government as well as numerous other helpful materials.