Entrepreneur Support (SEED) - Support for Film

Overview of the Entrepreneur Support (SEED) - Support for Film program:

The Support to the NWT Film Industry Program, delivered by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) through the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), is designed to grow and sustain the NWT’s film and screen-based media industry. The program provides financial assistance for all stages of film production—including development, pre-production, production, and marketing—while also supporting training and industry development activities. The program is structured into five separate funding streams: NWT Film Development Fund, NWT Film Production Fund, NWT Film Promotion and Marketing Fund, Film Rebate Program, and Film Infrastructure Contribution. Each stream addresses specific needs, such as supporting concept and script development, covering costs related to filming and post-production, marketing the final product, or investing in facilities and equipment. The program prioritizes projects that reflect NWT culture, support employment for local residents, and contribute to the growth of a sustainable media economy in the North. Eligible applicants include individual filmmakers, registered NWT production companies, and organizations involved in film and TV. Preference is given to NWT residents, Indigenous filmmakers, and projects that contribute to regional representation and local storytelling. Application requirements and deadlines vary by stream, and funding is limited annually, encouraging early applications. Projects must align with the NWT’s broader goals of economic diversification and cultural promotion. Additional support and guidance are available through NWT Film Commission staff.

Benefits of the Entrepreneur Support (SEED) - Support for Film program:

• Multi-stream support for all stages of film production
• Funding for development, production, marketing, infrastructure, and industry growth
• Rebates for eligible spending within the NWT
• Encourages employment of local talent and crew
• Builds sustainable media and creative sector in the territory
• Supports Indigenous and regional storytelling
• Promotes NWT as a filming destination
• Access to NWT Film Commission services for guidance and promotion

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneur Support (SEED) - Support for Film program:

• Applicants must:
• Be NWT residents, production companies, or organizations operating in the NWT
• Meet eligibility requirements specific to each funding stream
• Demonstrate a connection to the NWT (cultural content, crew hiring, or location)
• Submit project proposals, budgets, timelines, and business plans
• Be in good standing with GNWT
• Indigenous applicants and stories rooted in the North are encouraged
• Ineligible applicants:
• Non-residents or businesses not registered in the NWT
• Projects not tied to film/media
• Projects lacking significant NWT involvement or impact