Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) - Economic Research Stream Application Guide
Table of contents
- About the NIEOP Economic Research Stream (ERS)
- Priorities
- Key Information about the Stream
- Selection Criteria
- Selection Process
- Eligibility Requirements
- Information for Completing the Application
- Risks
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Supporting Material Checklist
- Other Considerations
- Authorization
- Project Submission and CanNor Contact Information
1. About the NIEOP Economic Research Stream (ERS)
CanNor is excited to launch a new funding stream under the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP). The NIEOP Economic Research Stream (ERS) intends to address knowledge gaps in the territorial Indigenous economic and business ecosystem through applied research, knowledge development, statistics and knowledge dissemination. This new stream will invest $1.5 million over three years, starting in 2024.
The ERS seeks to address a funding gap that was brought to light during consultations with 32 organizations about strengthening the territorial Indigenous business space through economic research and knowledge development.
Research is itself an economic sector. Governments and large businesses make significant investments in various types of research related to the North. While these investments are primarily intended to advance knowledge in a broad range of sectors, they also fund the work of research professionals, research staff, research apprentices and a variety of support staff and businesses that make this research work possible. These jobs and training opportunities are important to Indigenous Northerners, and additional efforts are needed to ensure Indigenous Peoples and businesses fully benefit from these opportunities.
2. Priorities
The following priorities are the main drivers of the ERS:
- Enhancing the Northern research sector: Research itself is an economic sector and additional efforts are needed to ensure Indigenous Peoples and businesses fully benefit from these opportunities.
- Driving Northern economic development: Research activities and funding will benefit the North in direct and indirect ways. Researching northern economies can also provide additional benefits to individuals, businesses and communities through the findings.
- Supporting Indigenous-led research and knowledge: By prioritizing Indigenous-led research projects, Indigenous approaches to research methods and knowledge gathering, findings are more impactful for Indigenous Northerners.
3. Key Information about the Stream
CanNor is planning to invest $1.5 million over three years in this Stream, from 2024 to 2026.
Applicants can request up to $50,000 in seed funding for small partnership-building projects, and $250,000 for larger research projects. Proposals can be submitted for one, two, or three years, starting in 2024. A secondary call will only occur if the first call does not result in the full dispersal of funding.
Some examples of projects may include but are not limited to:
- Establishing research partnerships, which could include identifying research priorities and working together on funding proposals for research.
- Solving business problems through research projects that could result in practical resources.
- Having multiple partners come together to advance a series of research projects on behalf of a collective.
- Advancing the collective research interests of distinctions-based organizations (e.g. Indigenous organizations), territorial partnerships (Yukon, Northwest Territories and/or Nunavut) or economic sector partnerships (e.g. tourism, fisheries, natural resources and other growth sectors).
4. Selection Criteria
The below criteria will be used to assess projects. Each question is allocated a weight based on its level of importance to the ERS.
- Priority 1: Does the research project contribute to the development of the research sector in the North?
- Priority 2: Does the research project contribute to economic development in the North?
- Priority 3: Does the project support greater participation by northern Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities and businesses and enable them to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation?
- Capacity: Does the applicant have the capacity to deliver the project (e.g. experience, financial leveraging, partnerships, resources)?
- Prior work: What evidence supports this project (e.g. academic research, previous implementation in a northern or remote climate, team experience)?
- Approach: How will the research be conducted? What role will Indigenous research and knowledge play in the research?
- Workplan: Are the project activities achievable within the timeframes of the project?
- Budget: Is the budget reasonable to complete the project as described?
- Partnerships: Are the partnerships in place for this research project appropriate and meaningful?
5. Selection Process
Acknowledgements of receipt will be sent to all applicants by email.
All applications will be screened for mandatory applicant and project eligibility criteria. Weights will be applied to the criteria.
At any time during the intake and assessment process, a CanNor Officer may contact the applicant for additional information.
All applicants will be contacted and advised of the outcome, with decisions communicated as they become available.
6. Eligibility Requirements
Lead applicant must be an Indigenous organization or Indigenous researcher. Those based outside the territories would be eligible through partnerships with Indigenous organizations based in the territories.
7. Information for Completing the Application
It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete all sections as accurately and completely as possible. The NIEOP Economic Research Stream application contains the following sections:
- Applicant and contact information
- Project information
- Project costs and funding sources
- Risks
- Diversity and inclusion
- Supporting materials checklist
- Other considerations
- Authorization
- Project submission and CanNor contact information
A description of each section is included below to assist you in completing your application. The sections below correspond with the sections on the application.
It is recommended you save your work often, prior to submitting your application to CanNor.
Applicant and contact information
Applicant legal name: The legal name is the official name of the organization or business at registration or incorporation. This may be different from the organization's operating name (e.g. Legal Name 123456 Northern Ltd, operating publicly as ABC Moving Services).
Project name: Provide a short, clear and concise name describing your project. Please include what the project is about in the title.
Primary contact name: Enter the person authorized to represent the business or organization. This person will be the main point of contact regarding the Economic Research Stream's application.
Telephone number: Enter the primary contact's telephone number, including the area code.
Email address: Include the direct email address for the primary contact (not a generic email address for the organization).
Applicant business number: The business number is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency. Enter if applicable.
Is the lead applicant Indigenous? Check the appropriate box.
Applicant Type: This information is important to determine if the applicant is an eligible recipient.
- Government
- Community owned organization
- Academic Institution
- First Nation
- Inuit
- Métis
- Non-Profit
- For-Profit
- Social enterprise
- Other
Type of funding for which you are applying: Partnership-building project or larger research project.
Please see above for a description of the two types of project funding within this stream.
Brief description of organization and its mandate: Provide a short description of the organization's mandate. This information will be used in part to determine if the applicant has the mandate and capacity to undertake a project of this nature.
Project Information
Project location (community): Provide the name of the community/communities where the project will take place. For projects in multiple communities, identify the number of communities (e.g. seven Nunavut communities).
Expected start date and end date: The start and end dates refer to when the project's costs are estimated to start, and stop being incurred.
Questions for both Partnership-building projects and Research project proposals
Briefly describe your proposed research project or partnership and explain how it supports economic development in the territories: Clearly explain what question your research will address, the goal of the research, and how the proposed research project will support economic development in the territories.
How does the proposed research project or partnership support greater participation by northern Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities and businesses?
Describe how Indigenous Peoples will be involved in the research project and their role.
How will the proposed research project or partnership employ a GBA+ lens?
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation. For more information, please consult the Women and Gender Equality Canada website.
How will Indigenous knowledge be integrated within the research project?
Describe how Indigenous knowledge will be integrated from the research design stage, and how it will shape the research partnership or project.
Questions for research projects only. If you are applying for funding to support partnership-building projects, do not answer these questions.
What evidence supports the research project (e.g. academic research, previous implementation in a northern or remote climate, team experience)?
Describe the scientific, Indigenous and/or local knowledge that has informed the project's focus, design, and/or activities.
How will the research be conducted?
Briefly describe how you will research the topic. This should include how you will gather information to answer your research question.
What partnerships are in place for this research project?
Who will be working with you on the research project? What role will each partner have in the project?
How many direct Indigenous jobs (full-time year of employment) will be created, maintained or expanded as a result of NIEOP Economic Research Stream funding?
Table: Project activities and timelines
Provide a clear description and timeline for the main activities to be completed. In each row, include a brief description of the activity, expected completion date (month/year) and expected outcomes (results). If research permits or licences are required, please describe your plan to acquire the proper authorizations for research.
Identify the project's territorial, community, Indigenous, academic institutions and/or industry supporters: List the project's confirmed community, territorial or private industry supporters (non-financial in nature). If applicable, explain how regional or community-based partnerships will be developed as a result of the project.
Project costs and funding sources
Total project cost: Enter the total project cost (round up to the nearest full-dollar amount).
Amount requested from CanNor: Enter the amount of funding requested from CanNor (round up to the nearest full-dollar amount). Review the maximum payable amounts to ensure the amount does not exceed allowable limits.
Budget: The project budget information is to be entered on a separate document called Appendix A - Budget worksheet. You will complete two tables on the worksheet: Sources of Funds and Uses of Funds.
The project budget is to include all costs directly related to the project. The project budget will be assessed for its reasonableness in comparison to similar projects, as well as the proposed equity and partner contributions. Should the project be approved for funding, all project costs must be incurred within the timeframe specified in the Agreement. Do not include 'in-kind' contributions in the budget document.
Sources of Funds
In the first column of the table, identify the project's funding partners (all sources that are expected to contribute financially to the project) and whether or not funding has been confirmed. Partner financial contributions do not need to be confirmed at this time but will need to be confirmed if the project is approved for funding.
- CanNor: Indicate how much funding you are seeking from CanNor. Priority may be given to applicants that provide a higher leveraging ratio (i.e. where applicants are seeking a lower contribution from CanNor relative to total project costs).
- Applicant: This represents the dollar value contribution made by you or your organization to the project. Do not include in-kind contributions (non-monetary contribution of goods, services, equipment or time) that you will be providing to the project.
- Territorial partner: This represents the dollar value contribution made by a territorial partner to the project. Do not include in-kind contributions that the partner will be providing to the project. Note: If the applicant is located in one of the territories, it is not necessary to have a territorial partner.
- Additional funders: Use the additional funder rows to identify additional funders for your project, including government and/or private sector. Confirmation of funding is not required at this time. Do not include in-kind contributions that the additional partners will be providing to the project.
Total: Check to ensure the total anticipated funding from all sources equals total project costs.
Uses of Funds
All project costs must be identified using the categories listed in the Uses of Funds table.
For each cost category, identify the total cost (total project budget), the amount of funds requested from CanNor for the cost category, and the amount remaining to be funded by others (the applicant or other funding partners). In the detailed budget description section, provide a breakdown of the type of costs expected in this cost category.
The table below identifies CanNor's cost categories with examples costs for each category.
| Advertising and Promotion | Cost of printing, ad space, tradeshow participation and internet (e.g. brochures, conference displays, advertisements) |
|---|---|
| Capital | Purchases of machinery and equipment, buildings and engineering that requires amortization |
| Contract/Professional Fees | Fees paid to individuals who are not employed by the organization (e.g. bookkeeping, consulting, legal, engineering). NOTE: A list of amounts for each type of professional, quotes or RFPs should be attached if applicable. |
| Entertainment | Cultural/traditional demonstrations, music, dancers as related to the project |
| Facility and Equipment Rental | Equipment rentals, conference and meeting rooms |
| Freight | Postal, shipping and courier services |
| Honouraria | Payment for a service to individuals not in receipt of a full-time salary or who suffers a loss of regular income when attending. A declaration from the individual receiving honoraria confirming that they are not in receipt of salary is required. NOTE: Honoraria are generally not supported by CanNor, but should be included if an overall project cost. |
| Hospitality | Costs for food as applicable for workshops, conferences, events. Note: Alcohol is not an eligible expense. |
| Information Systems | Licensing, database and software |
| Insurance | Costs directly attributable to the project |
| Interest and bank charges | Charges from financial institutions, directly attributable to the project |
| Licences/Permits/Memberships | Membership to professional associations or permits related to building or development |
| Materials and Supplies | Consumables that would be used throughout the course of the project (e.g. stationery, ink) |
| Salaries, Wages and Benefits | Salaries, hourly wages and employee benefits |
| Training | Course fees for skills and development, attendance at or participation in professional development programs, conferences, workshops, seminars, events and meetings |
| Translation Fees | Direct costs for translation of publications and/or reports for public consumption |
| Travel | Expenses may include transportation, accommodation, meals or per diems. NOTE: Details of potential locations and estimation of costs should be included. Government rates and allowances should be used to determine amounts for mileage, per diems and accommodation. |
| Utilities | Energy costs, telephone costs, internet service provider costs |
| Total: Be sure the total project budget at the bottom of the table equals the total project budget in the Sources of Funds table. Also check to ensure the total CanNor request is the same as the CanNor total project budget in the Sources of Funds table. | |
In-Kind Contribution (table)
List all in-kind contributions from project partners, including the value of the contribution.
8. Risks
All projects contain risks (uncontrollable aspects of the project such as weather, innovation risk, unconfirmed funding from other sources) that could lead to the project being delayed or not completed successfully.
For each identified risk, identify the project activity associated with the risk, and a brief description of the mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate the risk from becoming a reality.
9. Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of Canada is committed to equality and diversity so that all Canadians have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the growth of the economy. Providing answers to the questions in the table below will not adversely affect your application. If your organization does not meet the definitions provided or you do not wish to declare your status, please leave the fields blank.
10. Supporting Materials Checklist
Check all information provided in this section for accuracy and completeness. Verify you have included all mandatory documents and any of the additional supporting documents as applicable with your application.
Mandatory: Check to confirm submission of each of the mandatory documents
- Application
- Letters of support from territorial partner(s) (if the applicant is not based in one of the territories)
- Appendix A – Budget
As Applicable: Check all that apply
- Confirmation of financial contribution from all project partners (check if funding has been confirmed; confirmation is not required at the time of application)
- Letters of support from project partners confirming financial/in-kind contributions and general support for the project
- Business or strategic plan (include any strategic plan, business plan, or other documents that show how the project relates to the organization's overall vision and mandate)
- Copy of Incorporation and/or Legal Registry documents for the business/organization
- Copy of financial statements for the last 3 years
- Other relevant documents (specify)
11. Other Considerations
Amounts Owing: If the organization/business or owner owes money to the Government of Canada (such as income, business or property taxes, sales taxes, payroll deductions, etc.) this amount must be repaid before new funding can be provided.
Environmental or Regulatory Requirements: Projects must be able to conform to regulatory and environmental legislation. Requirements waiting for approval are a risk to the project (for timing and possible denial). You may append an additional sheet to the application to describe any regulatory requirements impacted by your project and the status of these processes. Ensure this document is listed under other documents.
Intellectual Property: Check to confirm you have read and agree with the Intellectual Property statement provided below.
The recipient owns all intellectual property arising out of the Project. However, the recipient grants to CanNor a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide and irrevocable licence to use, copy, translate or distribute materials arising out of the Project for government purposes. Where CanNor translates materials arising out of the Project, CanNor owns the intellectual property in the translation.
Confidentiality: All proprietary data, commercially sensitive information and potentially valuable results or ideas will be treated in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. These laws govern, protect and limit the collection, use and disclosure of personal and confidential information by federal government departments and agencies.
12. Authorization
Provide the legal name and title of the person who is authorized to represent the organization. If the person is not a signing officer of the company, confirmation of that person's right to represent the company may be required.
13. Project Submission and CanNor Contact Information
Please follow the steps outlined to submit your application.
For any questions about the ERS, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at Operations@cannor.gc.ca, or reach out to one of our regional offices by phone.