Request for Proposals: Advancing lnuit Economic Development Through Improved Access to Capital and Business Services

Overview

ITK is undertaking a research initiative to identify barriers limiting Inuit entrepreneurs’ access to capital and business services across Inuit Nunangat. The project will develop an inventory of existing supports and evidence-based recommendations outlining practical actions and identifying the organizations best positioned to address these barriers.

Background

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)

ITK is the national representational organization for Canada’s 70,000 Inuit, the majority of whom live in four regions, including the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Northwest Territories), Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador). Collectively, these four regions make up Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada. Inuit Nunangat includes 51 communities and encompasses roughly 40 percent of Canada’s landmass and more than 72 percent of its coastline.

The comprehensive land claim agreements that have been settled in Inuit Nunangat form a core component of ITK’s mandate. These land claims have the status of protected treaties under the Constitution. ITK remains committed to working in partnership with the Crown to fully implement these land claims. Consistent with its founding purpose, ITK represents the rights and interests of Inuit at the national level through a democratic governance structure that represents all Inuit regions.

ITK advocates for policies, programs and services that impact the health, social, cultural, political and environmental issues facing Inuit today. ITK is governed by a Board of Directors that is composed of the following members:

• Chair and CEO, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
• President, Makivvik
• President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• President, Nunatsiavut Government

In addition to voting members, the following non-voting Permanent Participant Representatives also sit on the Board:

• President, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada
• Chair, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
• President, National Inuit Youth Council

Economic Development is a key priority area for ITK and a shared priority area of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC). There is a need for greater Inuit participation in the economy, and this participation should be inclusive, equitable, and supportive of self-determination. Through ICPC, ITK, Inuit Treaty Organizations (ITOs), and government partners work together to support a whole-of-government approach to economic development and procurement in Inuit Nunangat.

Scope of Work

The purpose of this project is to identify the systemic, institutional, geographic, policy, and other related barriers affecting Inuit entrepreneurs’ access to financial and business support services (e.g. mentorship, legal/financial advice, business planning, etc.), and to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations to address these challenges.

ITK is seeking to retain a consultant to conduct research assessing the current landscape for Inuit entrepreneurs across Inuit Nunangat, with a particular focus on access to financing and business development services. The research will provide ITK, ITOs, and the Government of Canada with a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and opportunities within the current business environment. The findings will inform future policy and program development aimed at improving equitable access to capital, strengthening business supports, and fostering an environment in which Inuit entrepreneurs and businesses can grow and succeed.

The final report will create an editable inventory of existing funding and business support programs for Inuit entrepreneurs in Inuit Nunangat. It will consolidate research findings on the availability, accessibility, uptake, and awareness of existing capital and support programs, and identify unmet needs. The report will provide recommendations to improve access and inform policy and program development related to the Inuit economy and relative impacts on Inuit livelihood.

The consultant will work closely with ITK staff and the ICPC Economic Development and Procurement working group to:

• Assess the current landscape of financial and business support services and programs available to Inuit entrepreneurs and businesses, including federal, territorial, provincial, Inuit led, and private mechanisms.
• Determine Inuit entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ priorities and needs in terms of financial and business support services and programs.
• Identify gaps and barriers that limit Inuit entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ ability to grow and become economically resilient.
• Identify barriers specific to Inuit Nunangat, including, but not limited to, geographic, economic, and infrastructure challenges.
• Identify best practices and successful models that may be adapted for Inuit Nunangat.
• Develop practical and evidence-based recommendations for government, financial institutions, ITOs, and other partners to improve access to services and programs and to inform future policy and program development.

Scope of Services

• Conduct virtual interviews with key stakeholders:
• Inuit entrepreneurs and businesses.
• Inuit organizations.
• Inuit development corporations.
• Indigenous financial institutions.
• Federal, provincial, and territorial departments and agencies.
• Financial institutions.
• Other relevant organizations identified during the project.

Note – ITK, provide a list of recommended interviewees; however, interviews will not be limited to these recommendations.

• It is estimated there will be approximately 20-25 interviews.
• There is no travel anticipated.

Conduct literature review of existing research, evaluations, programs, and policies relating to Inuit access to business support services.

• A draft environmental scan of available federal programs will be provided as a starting point for the work.
• Additional research will be required to identify programs not included in the environmental scan, including programs not specifically targeted to businesses but that may support enterprise development. Validate findings with key stakeholders prior to finalizing recommendations.

Deliverables

• Detailed Workplan: A workplan outlining the proposed methodology, research approach, engagement strategy, key activities, timelines, project schedule, and deliverables.
• Environmental Scan and Literature Review: A review of existing research, reports, policies, programs, and other relevant sources related to Inuit entrepreneurship, access to capital, and business services, including identification of key gaps and findings relevant to the project.
• Research and Engagement Findings: A summary and analysis of findings from interviews and other engagement activities with Inuit entrepreneurs, organizations, and relevant stakeholders across Inuit Nunangat.
• Inventory of Existing Supports: An editable inventory of existing financial, business, and entrepreneurship supports available to Inuit entrepreneurs, including relevant program information and identifying gaps, overlaps, or barriers in accessing these supports.
• Draft Report: A draft report presenting the research methodology, environmental scan and literature review, engagement findings, assessment of barriers, inventory of existing supports, and preliminary recommendations for ITK’s review and feedback.
• Final Report: A final report incorporating feedback from ITK and presenting a regionally grounded assessment of barriers, key findings, an inventory of existing supports, and prioritized, evidence-based recommendations outlining practical actions and identifying the organizations best positioned to implement them.

Proposal

Proposals must include:

• Company profile and team CVs
• Relevant experience & references (at least three comparable projects)
• Work plan & methodology, including approach to stakeholder engagement across the four Inuit regions
• Budget & pricing (time and materials with ceiling price)

Selection Criteria and Process

An evaluation committee composed of representatives from ITK’s contracts unit, Policy Advancement department, and Finance department will assess proposals on the following:

1. Appropriateness of the qualifications of the applicant and examples of similar work.
2. Appropriateness of project description, which should outline a sound, comprehensive approach to the tasks outlined in Scope of Work.
3. Cost efficiency of the proposed approach, reflected in the budget.

NOTE: Companies that are owned, managed or otherwise represented by a beneficiary under an Inuit Nunangat land claims agreement will be given priority consideration. We encourage all applicants to self-identify.

Shortlisted proponents may be invited to virtual interviews before contract award.

Deadline for submission is Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5pm ET.

If you have any questions, please contact contracts@itk.ca.