Nunavummiut with a dream to start a business have plenty of resources.

A common first stop is at the office of the communitySA国际影视传媒檚 economic development officer.

In Cambridge Bay, thatSA国际影视传媒檚 Angela Gerbrandt.

The first thing sheSA国际影视传媒檒l ask is whether a business plan has been prepared. If not, she has a 40-page document asking many basic questions: What type of business is it? WhoSA国际影视传媒檚 the target market? How will the marketing be done? What are the revenue streams?

Upon completing and returning the questionnaire, she will actually write the business plan for the client, which usually takes about five to six hours.

She then reviews potential funding sources, aiming to find grants from the government that donSA国际影视传媒檛 need to be repaid. If grants donSA国际影视传媒檛 cover the full amount needed for start-up, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 forced to look at lending institutions.

The thought of taking on a business loan is intimidating for some potential clients, Gerbrandt acknowledged.

SA国际影视传媒淔or most people itSA国际影视传媒檚 almost overwhelming this idea of starting a business,SA国际影视传媒� she said, adding that sheSA国际影视传媒檚 looking into developing co-ops SA国际影视传媒� groups of people who can share the responsibility of launching and running a venture.

Generally, the proprietor would need to have 10-20 per cent of the value of the business up front. This can be in the form of cash or collateral, such as a vehicle.

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 up to the client to make the trip to the lending institution, sometimes a bank, to finalize the loan.

SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檇 be happy to introduce you. ISA国际影视传媒檇 be happy to give you whatever paperwork you need. I do all the printing, faxing, whatever, but I canSA国际影视传媒檛 sign (for the loan). ItSA国际影视传媒檚 your business,SA国际影视传媒� Gerbrandt said, noting that she has had great experiences with referrals to the First Nations Bank of Canada in Yellowknife. SA国际影视传媒淭hey are very savvy. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e super-well connected. I canSA国际影视传媒檛 tell them anything they donSA国际影视传媒檛 know already.SA国际影视传媒�

Should the financing be approved, the individual would need to obtain a business licence, which costs $50-$150 per year in Cambridge Bay, depending on the size of the business. For a home-based business, it would also entail making clear to hamlet council and administration how much traffic will be generated.

SA国际影视传媒淏asically they want to know if youSA国际影视传媒檙e going to have 200 cars go across the road to your house to buy something or whether youSA国际影视传媒檙e going to deliver,SA国际影视传媒� Gerbrandt explained, adding that council will aim to minimize disruptions to residentsSA国际影视传媒� everyday lives.

Another requirement is a compliance letter from the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission, which assesses safety requirements.

The entire process of starting a business generally takes about three months, according to Gerbrandt.

According to data from the Government of Canada, approximately 64 per cent of businesses with one or more employees survive through five years.

Fact file
Business assistance agencies in Nunavut
Atuqtuarvik Corporation (Rankin Inlet)
Baffin Business Development Corporation (Iqaluit)
Canada-Nunavut Business Service Centre (Iqaluit)
Chambers of Commerce (Iqaluit, Baffin, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay)
Kakivak Association (Iqaluit)
Kitikmeot Community Futures Inc (Cambridge Bay)
Kivalliq Business Development Centre (Rankin Inlet)
Kivalliq Partners in Development (Rankin Inlet)
Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Iqaluit)
Nunavut Development Corporation (Rankin Inlet)
Nunavut Economic Developers Association (Iqaluit)

Fact file
The Department of Economic Development and TransportationSA国际影视传媒檚 Small Business Support Program offers three funds:

Small Business Opportunities Fund
-assists business start-ups and expansions
-supports marketing plans and business development
-also supports pilot projects and SA国际影视传媒渨ind-downSA国际影视传媒�

Entrepreneur Development Fund
-aids businesses through training and skill development
SA国际影视传媒� accounting, bookkeeping, business start-up, tourism safety and risk management are among areas of training
-offers business aftercare programs

Sustainable Livelihood Fund
-supports tourism, arts and crafts and harvesting sectors
-help to overcome legal or bookkeeping issues
-supports the purchase of tools and other minor capital items
-helps cover tourism operatorsSA国际影视传媒� liability insurance
Source: Government of Nunavut

Fact file
Business licences issued
While some hamlets issue their own, this is the number of business licences that the Department of Community and Government ServicesSA国际影视传媒� consumer affairs division has approved over the past five years:
2014-15 SA国际影视传媒� 82
2015-16 SA国际影视传媒� 80
2016-17 SA国际影视传媒� 85
2017-18 SA国际影视传媒� 93
2018-19 SA国际影视传媒� 95
Source: Department of Community and Government Services