Inuit artists and entrepreneurs in Arviat, Nunavut, may soon have a new resource to help start or expand their businesses. The Kivalliq Inuit Association has issued a call for consultants to create a comprehensive small business and entrepreneur handbook tailored to the needs of the region.
This handbook is intended to provide practical, culturally relevant guidance for people at all stages of business development. It will focus on helping local residents navigate the unique challenges of living in remote communities, such as infrastructure limitations and market access. The project aims to improve business literacy, with a specific focus on sectors like arts and crafts, which are central to the local economy.
Arviat has a long history of supporting local talent, with a carving tradition that dates back to the early 1960s. Today, businesses like the Ulimaut Carving Shop and Kiluk Ltd. continue to highlight the work of local creators. The success of entrepreneurs such as Nooks Lindell, who operates the Arviat-based fashion and art business Hinaani Design, serves as a model for how traditional Inuit culture can be integrated into modern business ventures.
The association has set aside a budget between $70,000 and $100,000 for the project. Consultants have until May 31, 2026, to submit their proposals. Once the consultant is selected, the project will move forward with a goal of final delivery by January 15, 2027.
For those looking for current financial support, several existing programs are available. These include the Business Development Fund and the Kivalliq Business Development Centre, which provides business counseling and loan services for entrepreneurs in the region.
