$280,000 investment in Kivalliq Trade Show Society announced

CanNor’s funding will be used to support popular local trade show, strategic planning and entrepreneurship development

Rankin Inlet – The Kivalliq Trade Show Society (KTSS) supports local businesses, the arts and entrepreneurship in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut and plays an important role in the economic development of its communities. As investment continues to grow in the region, the society is preparing to take advantage of new opportunities.

Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced an investment of $280,000 that will support strategic development, costs related to the annual Kivalliq Trade Show, and the expansion of the society’s entrepreneurship program over three years. Funding for this initiative is also being provided by the Government of Nunavut and the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

Through this support, the Kivalliq Trade Show Society will develop a long-term strategic plan that will assist it in fulfilling its mandate. These investments will also cover associated costs for the annual Kivalliq Trade Show, including advertising and promotion, rentals, and translation. The trade show brings over 200 attendees and exhibitors every year into Rankin Inlet, and not only provides an economic boost to the community, but also creates an invaluable networking and promotional opportunity for local businesses, communities and other organizations in Nunavut.

The KTSS will also expand and develop its successful entrepreneurship program through this initiative by increasing in-person visits to communities. Originally developed as a youth workshop during the trade show, it is now offered in-person and online. Participants are taught the basics of entrepreneurship and businesses development, including a focus on financial literacy, business planning, markets, and more. The KTSS will visit four communities a year and be able to accept up to 72 people to participate in this program, up from 25 participants.