Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - Inuvik businesses and entrepreneurs captured nearly 10 per cent of the $1.1 million handed out from the 2003/2004 NWT Business Development Fund.

One of the bigger benefactors of the fund was the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, which received $25,000 -- $15,000 for the provision of consulting services and $10,000 to promote regional tourism.

An Inuvialuit Community Economic Development initiative to purchase furs for craftspeople garnered $12,500.

The Mackenzie Delta Hotel Group also received $15,000 to do a feasibility study on the construction of a new 90-room hotel.

Another $15,000 went to Aurora College for its feasibility study for a Deline Knowledge Centre. Arctic Wings Ltd. received $14,900 to assist with accounting service for the company's financial wind-down.

Delta Flowers and Crafts were awarded $8,470 to provide short-term relief for accounts payable. Savoie Ltd. received $6,000 to replace kitchen flooring at To-Go's Restaurant.

Rounding out Inuvik's business development fund recipients was Edge Events, which was given $1,120 to assist with start-up costs.