The Economic Development Fund supports projects and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic benefits to Yukoners and Yukon communities.
This fund replaces the Regional Economic Development Fund, Strategic Industries Development Fund and Enterprise Trade Fund.
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.
Who can apply
- A Yukon business that meets 3 of the following conditions:
- has an office with a physical address in Yukon;
- is subject to the Yukon Income Tax Act;
- is registered under the Business Corporations Act and the Partnership and Business Name Act, where applicable; or
- has a valid municipal business license, where applicable.
- Yukon First Nation governments;
- Yukon First Nation development entities (corporation, partnership, joint venture or trust);
- Yukon municipal governments;
- Community societies or industry associations that:
- are registered under the Yukon Societies Act and are in good standing;
- are based in 1 or more Yukon communities;
- are open to public membership;
- can demonstrate clear interest in seeking to improve Yukon’s economic development; and
- Not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
Available funding
Funding is available for up to:
- 75% of the eligible project costs; and
- 50% of capital expenses.
Funding maximums are:
- tier 1 up to $30,000;
- tier 2 between $30,001 and $100,000; and
- tier 3 between $100,001 and $500,000.
Project criteria
Immediate project outcomes may include elements such as:
- an enhanced environment for joint ventures and other investment opportunities;
- the sector attracts increased investment;
- improved organizational and enterprise capacity;
- the use and creation of innovative business methods, tools, approaches and opportunities;
- successful joint ventures with beneficial community economic impacts;
- an increase in private sector employment;
- an economy that is more diversified between and within sectors;
- an increase in the number of new or expanded business enterprises; and
- an increase in the number of coordinated regional economic development planning projects.
Long-term project outcomes may include elements such as:
- positive impacts on employment and wealth creation;
- Yukon's workforce developing more skills;
- an increase in the number of business start-ups;
- Yukon businesses growing and diversifying their target markets;
- improve the results for Yukoners in overall health and wellbeing;
- increased economic activity in Yukon communities; and
- positive contribution towards meeting the goals and outcomes of Our Clean Future, Yukon’s climate change mitigation strategy.
Examples of eligible activities
- Business plans
- Market research
- Marketing plans
- Organization and promotion of marketing and investment events
- Organizational capacity development
- Participation in trade and investment events
- Post-project analysis and support
- Professional development workshops on business topics
- Promotional materials for new markets and market expansion
- Training plans
- Capital assets
- Capital costs
- Implementation support
- Leasehold improvements
- Travel costs are limited to the lowest economy airfare, accommodation for a standard room and per diems are not to exceed the posted Yukon government rate.
Ineligible expenses
- Capital expenditures for equipment that is readily movable and suitable for personal use such as computers, power tools, musical instruments, etc. unless it is deemed integral to the success of the project;
- Costs incurred before any project approval decisions, including volunteer time such as board time.
- Costs incurred for cancelled projects;
- Expenditures made prior to the project being approved for funding;
- Financing charges, legal fees, and loan interest payments, including those related to easements (e.g. surveys);
- Land acquisition;
- Leasing equipment other than equipment directly related to the project;
- Leasing payment on land, buildings and other facilities;
- Operation and maintenance costs, except as provided for under Eligible Expenditures;
- Projects that fall under the normal responsibility of a Government of Yukon department, municipal authority, or First Nation or federal government;
- Initiatives eligible under the Performing Musicians Fund;
- Provincial/Territorial sales tax, goods and services tax or harmonized sales tax; or
- Real estate fees and related costs.
Application deadlines
4:30 p.m. on the day of the deadline for tier 2 and tier 3 applications. If this falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to 4:30 p.m. on the next business day.
Tier 1:
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Tier 2:
April 15 and September 15
Tier 3:
January 15
How to apply for funding
- Contact an Economic Development Fund program advisor to find out if your project is eligible.
- Complete and submit your application before the deadline.
In person:
303 Alexander Street, 2nd floor, Whitehorse
Open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Email: edf@yukon.ca
Phone: 867-471-0052
Fax: 867-393-7018
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Economic Development Fund (F-1)
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6
Annual reports
Read Economic Development Fund (EDF) annual reports. Find past fund recipients.
Contact
If you have questions about applying for funding, email edf@yukon.ca or phone 867-471-0052.