Working towards thriving, sustainable, and vibrant small communities.
Small Economy Works believes that people who are equipped with entrepreneurial mindsets and skill have the power to create positive and lasting change.
Youth in rural, remote and Northern communities are our inspiration, and we believe they should be the leading voice and movement without having to seek opportunities away from home.
With our programs, we aim to strengthen small economies and support youth to lead with confidence, creativity, and care.
Each initiative is shaped in collaboration with communities and rooted in cultural relevance, offering pathways for skill-building, connection, and meaningful local impact.
The Inspire Program
Our flagship “Inspire” Program is an entrepreneurial leadership program that combines principles of social entrepreneurship and leadership with local culture and values. It helps young people build skills to launch their careers or begin a new enterprise. Since 2015, we have delivered more than 25 Inspire training programs across Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon to more than 300 participants.
The Initiate Program
The Initiate Program is a flexible skill-building and mentorship initiative for youth across the North. It supports participants as they explore career paths, develop community projects, or launch small businesses. Through self-paced learning, one-on-one coaching, and peer support, Initiate offers multiple pathways grounded in northern realities and cultural relevance.
The Infuse Program
The Infuse Program offers funding, mentorship, and guided learning to support youth-led projects that strengthen community connection and wellbeing. Open to youth aged 15 to 30, the program provides grants of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 to help bring local ideas to life. Participants are supported throughout with personalized guidance and space to grow their skills, confidence, and impact.
Stories from Our Participants
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"My favorite part of the Program was being given the space and the opportunity to think with an entrepreneurial mindset. I was able to ‘switch-off’ from my 9-5 job and really think about myself, my goals, and my dreams of what I want to do next. It empowered me to be surrounded by like-minded people, to think like a businessperson, and gave me access to support and materials needed to operate a business."
Shawna McLeod – Fort Providence, NWT
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"Apply for Inspire, they will help you find what you want to do in your life even if you have no idea what kind of career path or business plan that you have in mind, just go for it because they have all the tools and content that they give you in the program that will help you and guide you with where you want to go, if it's in a career path or a community or if you have a business idea, it will for sure guide you within the 12 weeks."
Lory-Ann Bertrand – Nahanni Butte, NWT
Meet the team
Small Economy Works is a multi-generational and multi-cultural organization with staff from from across the Northern Territories and the rest of Canada.
