Nalik Ventures A/S Inspires Entrepreneurship in Kullorsuaq
In early February, Nalik Ventures A/S, a prominent player in Greenland’s business development landscape, conducted a course on entrepreneurship in Kullorsuaq. This initiative, aimed at fostering local business acumen, hopes to pave the way for a burgeoning tourism industry in one of Greenland’s largest settlements, home to approximately 400 residents. According to a member of the settlement board, there is optimism that this training will open new avenues for economic growth.
A Successful Collaboration
Triggered by a request from Kullorsuaq’s village council and Avannaata Kommunia, the course proved to be a resounding success, noted Edvard Lyberth Mørch, an advisor with Nalik Ventures. Participants explored various facets of entrepreneurship, including the requirements for starting a business, funding options, and potential ventures within the tourism sector. The course also featured two independent tourism professionals from Ilulissat and Itilleq, who presented virtually. One shared insights on service pricing for cruise ship visitors, while the other focused on the burgeoning dog sled tourism market.
Emerging Opportunities
With the arrival of cruise ships every summer, and their numbers steadily increasing, Mørch highlighted that Kullorsuaq is ripe for tourism development, despite the absence of established businesses in that realm so far. “Tourism is in high demand in Kullorsuaq,” he remarked, reflecting on the course’s strong turnout over its three days. Yet, he acknowledged that, similar to other settlements in Greenland, the tourism season here is limited. Nevertheless, the potential for tourism to complement traditional industries like fishing is significant, especially given Kullorsuaq’s unique offerings. Additionally, there is growing interest in establishing a local store.
Forging New Paths
Inviting Nalik Ventures to Kullorsuaq is a rarity, as stated by an advisor for entrepreneurs. Mørch shared that due to the positive outcomes of this recent course, they envision executing similar, settlement-specific projects in the future. Although a parallel course in Upernavik did not garner the same enthusiasm, it still provided valuable engagement with both current and aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Collective Vision
The village’s newly elected settlement board, keen to explore business prospects, made a decisive move in 2025 to invite Nalik Ventures for the course. Timotheus Petersen, a board member from Siumut, expressed confidence that the number of cruise ship visitors will continue to rise, especially with the planned opening of a new airport in Ilulissat. “We believe this will significantly benefit our community,” he stated, emphasizing the village board’s enthusiasm for advancing local entrepreneurship.
The overall response to the course was overwhelmingly positive, with the village board noting that it was both engaging and informative.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
However, a challenge remains: cruise ships typically bring their guides, which limits local earnings. Petersen, who juggles roles as a fisherman and trapper, stressed the need for service agreements with cruise lines. Establishing a locally owned tourism agency is essential, and he indicated that steps are already being taken toward this goal.
Interest in diverse forms of experiential tourism flourished during the course. “I dream of whale watching tours becoming a reality,” Petersen shared, acknowledging that such ventures will require both operational permits and safety training on the water. Although the path ahead may be complex and costly, he believes that the skills gained from the course will be instrumental in realizing these dreams, instilling hope for Kullorsuaq’s future.
Additionally, there is enthusiasm for the idea of a small shop in the settlement, a prospect that has generated considerable interest among community members, including those with extensive political backgrounds.