Economic Growth and Diversification

Overview of the Economic Growth and Diversification program:

The Yukon Economic Development Fund (EDF) is a territorial initiative designed to support projects that foster long-term economic benefits across Yukon. Administered by the Government of Yukon's Department of Economic Development, the EDF aims to build a resilient and inclusive economy by funding innovative, collaborative, and community-focused projects. The program provides non-repayable financial contributions to eligible organizations working on initiatives that align with the fund's priorities, such as developing new sectors, enhancing economic infrastructure, increasing capacity for business development, and supporting First Nations, municipal, and non-profit partnerships. Projects must demonstrate clear economic benefits—such as job creation, skills development, investment attraction, or improved business operations—and contribute to at least one of the fund's core goals: innovation, diversification, or improved sustainability. The EDF supports both capital and non-capital projects, including feasibility studies, pilot projects, capacity building, marketing strategies, and development planning. Funding is not intended for ongoing operational costs, debt servicing, or projects with limited public benefit. Applicants are expected to provide a portion of the total project funding (in-kind or financial) and must demonstrate organizational capacity to deliver results. Applications are evaluated for community impact, partnership engagement, alignment with economic development priorities, and project feasibility. The EDF is open to a wide range of groups—including First Nations governments and development corporations, municipalities, industry associations, businesses (with non-profit partners), and not-for-profits—provided the project aligns with territorial economic development strategies.

Benefits of the Economic Growth and Diversification program:

• Non-repayable funding of up to $100,000 for approved projects
• Supports new economic opportunities, diversification, and innovation
• Encourages collaboration between communities, governments, and industry
• Enables capacity building for Yukon-based organizations and communities
• Promotes sustainable development in alignment with territorial priorities
• Offers flexibility for various project types: planning, pilot projects, feasibility, and sector development
• Boosts long-term economic resilience and inclusion across Yukon

Eligibility criteria of the Economic Growth and Diversification program:

• Eligible applicants include:
• Yukon First Nations governments and development corporations
• Municipalities and local governments
• Non-profit organizations and societies
• Businesses (must collaborate with non-profit or public partners)
• Industry and sector associations
• Academic and research institutions
• Project eligibility requirements:
• Must provide clear economic benefits to Yukon (e.g., job creation, new services, community capacity, economic growth)
• Must align with EDF goals: diversification, innovation, economic resilience
• Must not be primarily for routine operational costs or private gain
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and managerial capacity to complete the project
• Projects should involve community consultation and/or partnerships wherever applicable
• Preference given to projects that support First Nations, rural communities, or underrepresented sectors