Grants in the Yukon

Businesses in the Yukon have access to many extraordinary grants and support programs! In this article, we will highlight some of the most prominent grants and programs available.

Economic Development Fund

The Economic Development Fund (EDF) is a marvellous catch-all fund for Yukon businesses. The EDF supports initiatives that provide long-term sustainable economic benefits to Yukoners. Or in other words, the eligibility of projects is very broad. The criteria state that eligible projects include those that:

• support business innovation, sustainability and planning;
• encourage economic diversification through market support; and
• increase business competitiveness through capacity and capital development.

Funding is split into 3 tiers with an increasing maximum funding amount per tier. 

• tier 1 up to $30,000;
• tier 2 between $30,001 and $100,000; and
• tier 3 between $100,001 and $500,000.

The proportion of costs that can be funded via the EDF is the same for each tier.

• 75% of the eligible project costs; and
• 50% of capital expenses.

It is important to note the deadlines, especially if you are applying for the higher tiers!

• tier 1: applications are accepted throughout the year
• tier 2: April 15 and September 15
• tier 3: January 15.

If you want to apply for the EDF, the first step is to contact an Economic Development Fund program advisor for preliminary screening and helpful advice. Contact information and additional details can be found on their website: EDF

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is dedicated to helping the territories become economically sustainable. They are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for single or multi-year projects that align with their Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy. Similar to the EDF, the criteria are comprehensive. 

Key themes of CanNor's Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy include:

• Diversification and Innovation
• Business Scale up and Market Expansion
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems
• Indigenous Economic Development
• Sector Development
• Infrastructure Investments and Development
• Resource Development
• Skilled Workforce
• Economic Recovery & Stabilization

For-profit small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SME) can receive up to 50% of project costs with a maximum of $6M for any single eligible recipient per project. If you are applying as a not-for-profit organization (NPO), a non-federal level of government, or an Indigenous organization, 80% of project costs can be funded.

CanNor has a thorough guide to prepare you for your EOI submission. The guide and additional information can be found on their website: EOI Guide

Canada Digital Adoption Program - Tech Yukon

Tech Yukon, as part of the Canadian Digital Adoption Program, is delivering the Grow Your Business Online grant to eligible small businesses in the Yukon. The intent of the grant is to support the digital transformation of your business. Eligible projects include boosting your e-commerce presence and digitalizing business operations.

A micro-grant of up to $5,000 can be awarded to eligible businesses. And, the business will be partnered with an experienced e-commerce advisor to help identify digital opportunities and advise on the application process.

Compared to other programs, the eligibility criteria are more selective. To be eligible for micro-grant funding, small businesses must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be a for-profit business (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives) in Yukon
• Must be a registered or incorporated business
• Must be a consumer-facing business
• Must be able to be accessed by consumers or provide in-person services to consumers
• Must have at least one employee (other than the business owner) OR have had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year (2021)
• Must commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months after participation in the program
• Must consent to participating in follow-up surveys, sharing information with the Government of Canada (ISED and Statistics Canada), and having the name of the business published as a recipient of funding

Staffing UP

This program has two distinct streams. One stream is to subsidize wages while the other stream funds training for current and future employers. The purpose of the program is helping Yukon employers to:

• find, hire, and keep workers that are a good fit for your organization;
• train new or existing workers to meet your needs;
• develop workplace supports to accommodate your staff;
• enhance your human resource knowledge and practice;
• get and use labour market information;
• connect with other employers to find and keep workers; and
• hire workers to address emergent Government of Yukon priorities. 

If your wage subsidy application is approved, Staffing UP will subsidize: 

• up to $20 per hour;
• for up to 40 hours per week; and
• for up to 16 weeks. 

If you need support to provide training to your employees, you will have to identify a 3rd party training program and the best candidates to receive the training within your organization. This funding is split into 4 levels: 

• 60% for an employee not paid while in training;
• 70% for an employee paid while in training;
• 80% for training a potential employee who is unemployed; or
• 90% for training:

• a potential employee who is unemployed; and 
• a member of an under-represented group.

Contacting the staff behind the Staffing UP program is the best way to start the application process. Contact information and additional details can be found on their website: Staffing UP

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