Northwest Territories Entrepreneur Program

If you are able to invest significant funds into the Northwest Territories as an entrepreneur, you will be assessed for suitability and scored on factors including age, net worth, personal investment, experience, adaptability, and business concept, with the highest scorers may be invited to apply for the program.

Industries in the Northwest Territories includes mining for diamonds, gold, silver, tungsten, and other rare elements, as well as the natural gas and petroleum industry.

You may apply to enter the NWT as an entrepreneur if you:

• invest in a new or existing business in the NWT– this involves having at least $300,000.00 CAD in funds/equity to buy into or start a new business within Yellowknife or $150,000.00 CAD outside Yellowknife
• have a personal net worth of at least $500,000.00 CAD if starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife or at least $250,000.00 CAD if starting or buying a business outside Yellowknife
• provide a good faith deposit of $75,000.00 CAD, refundable upon completing the terms of the Business Performance Agreement;
• if you are able to invest at least $1,000,000.00 CAD, then you only have to prove that you own 1/3 of the business
  • demonstrate sufficient funds to start and operate a business
• have sufficient settlement funds for you and your family while establishing your business venture
• prove that you have sufficient, full-time experience in a business an active partner, owner or senior manager
• are able to employ a minimum of two permanent residents or Canadian citizens on permanent and full-time basis
• prove you have the required language skills in order to conduct business and function in the province
• plan to settle in the province and establish or invest in a business in the province permanently
  • make at least 1 exploratory visit to become familiar with the NWT and the economy of the province
  • have business plan and the ability, education and experience to implement it successfully
• don’t have pending applications submitted to other provincial or territorial nominee programs
• be available for an interview with officers of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program