Digital Funding for NWT Businesses: The ADAPT Fund

Understanding this opportunity

The Accelerate Digital Adoption Projects for Tomorrow (ADAPT) Fund, part of Prosper NWT’s Digital Support Program, provides financial support to help Northwest Territories businesses invest in digital tools and strategies. Eligible NWT-registered businesses can receive up to $5,000 through the ADAPT Fund to support digital adoption projects.

The program is designed to

  • Enable businesses to implement websites, e-commerce systems, booking platforms, and related digital services
  • Reduce the financial barrier for small businesses investing in their digital capabilities
  • Support projects that help businesses establish or improve their online presence
  • Help NWT businesses operate more efficiently and reach customers online

are you ELIGIBLE?

Not every business qualifies, but if you meet these requirements, you can apply for the ADAPT Fund. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and is available only until the budget is exhausted. There is no set program end date.

  • Be registered in the NWT;
  • Be operational for three months or more;
  • Be consumer-facing;
  • Employ at least one person or generate $10,000 in annual gross revenue (past year or projected); and
  • Must commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for a minimum of six months (in the case of a new website, it simply means keeping it online)

who isINELIGIBLE?

The following types of businesses are ineligible:

  • Corporate chains, franchises, and licensed brands
  • Registered charities and not-for profit organizations
  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies
  • Brokerage firms and their agents (real estate, investment, insurance, etc.)
  • Businesses engaging in online reselling or drop-shipping reliant third-party suppliers

Eligible Expenses

All eligible costs must have a direct tie to implementing a new e-commerce store. Anything not directly tied to selling products or services online will not qualify. ADAPT funding may be used for:

  • Developing a new e-commerce website or adding e-commerce functionality to an existing site
  • Installing an e-commerce platform, including subscription fees
  • Digital marketing for an e-commerce store (note: social media advertising alone is not eligible. It must be part of a broader e-commerce plan)
  • Implementing online payment systems
  • Setting up inventory tracking and sales management systems
  • Up to 20% of the total grant amount for hardware and accompanying software
  • Professional fees to assist with eligible digital projects

Common ineligible costs include domain renewals, existing e-commerce subscriptions, office software, shipping costs, signage, logo redesigns, and business owner salaries.

arrows effect 1

how to apply

Portrait of a business man sitting in the office

  1. check if you qualify:

    Confirm your eligibility.

  2. Fill Out the Online Form:

    Visit Prosper NWT’s website and complete the online application form.

  3. Complete a Spending Plan:

    Once conditionally approved, you’ll need to submit a Spending Plan with two quotes for each item listed. Prosper NWT will honour the lower of the two quotes. All contractors and developers must be Canadian-based, registered businesses with a valid GST or Business Number.

  4. Sign your Contribution Agreement:

    After your Spending Plan is reviewed and approved, a Contribution Agreement will be sent for signature. Do not begin any work until this agreement is fully signed.

  5. Complete your project:

    Work with your chosen service provider to complete the digital project, then submit your invoice and project report to Prosper NWT for reimbursement.

For complete program details, eligibility criteria, and application requirements, visit Prosper NWT’s official website. 

Apply Here

At Oi Marketing, we help Northwest Territories businesses develop and implement digital strategies that meet funding requirements and achieve business goals. From website development to e-commerce solutions, we work with business owners to build an effective online presence.

If you’re considering applying for ADAPT funding and want to discuss your digital project needs, reach out to learn how we can help.

Contact Us

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Prosper NWT or the ADAPT program. For official program information and applications, please visit Prosper NWT directly.*