Starting a business

Information, services, and supports to help guide and grow your business.

Funding and Program Supports

From small to large funding programs, training, mentorship, and other helpful supports - find out how to build your business in the NWT.

Entrepreneur support

This program provides funding to entrepreneurs and small businesses to help with start-up funding, capital asset acquisition, market and product development, operational support, and film support.

Micro business

Funding for licensed artists, crafters, filmmakers, commercial renewable resource harvesters, and small businesses to support small projects.

Sector support

A program to fund business in sectors identified as important for tourism, sustainability, import replacement, and E-commerce.

Business intelligence and networking

This program provides funding to allow businesses in the NWT to connect with conferences, tradeshows, and seminars that are needed to build the business.

Economic development officers

A network of experienced, knowledgeable staff to connect you to valuable information, contacts, and support to help you succeed.

Business incentive policy

Giving preference to businesses owned and operated in the NWT on government contracts.

Prosper NWT

Visit Prosper NWT for business guidance and support.

Permits, Licences, and Standards

Requirements and regulations related to starting and operating a business in the NWT.

Business licensing

Information on how to obtain a business licence in the NWT.

Business names and registration

An overview on choosing your business name and registering your business in the NWT.

Employment standards

Learn about the rights of employees and the responsibilities of employers in the NWT.

Payroll tax

Information for employees and employers on payroll tax in the NWT.

Office of the Fire Marshal

The Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for delivering several programs relating to fire and life safety as identified in the Fire Prevention Act.

Environmental health

Environmental Health helps protect human health by addressing issues such as food safety, drinking water quality, pest control, contaminants, compliance inspections related to tobacco sales, and any other factors in the environment that might impact human health.
Updated: Aug 25, 2026