This funding is for licensed artists, crafts producers, commercial renewable resource harvesters, prospectors and small businesses who need a little bit of funding to get their small projects to sustainability.

Who is eligible?

• NWT residents and entrepreneurs

Funding

Up to $5,000 over three years is available to support the following activities:

• Purchasing tools and equipment to increase the quality or quantity of production related to arts and crafts or the traditional economy.
• Purchase of raw materials for the production of traditional arts and crafts.
• Purchase of film making equipment.
• Purchase prospecting supply, equipment and other expenses directly related to prospecting activity
• Other self-employment activities.

Required Documents

• Description of the project along with cost quotes.
• Demonstration of financial need.
• Demonstration of ability in the activity being funded.
• Description of the intended market for products – may be required to register on the NWT Arts Database.

For a complete list of required documents see the Application Checklist on the last page of the SEED application.

Equity requirements

• Group One communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik) – 30%
• Group Two communities (all other NWT communities within the NWT) – 20%

How do I apply?

To apply for Micro Business funding, download the application form below and contact your regional Industry Tourism and Investment office to book an appointment speak with an economic development officer.  

Arts & Crafts Support (SEED)

This funding is for artists and crafters who need a little investment to bring their big ideas to the next level. These investments are provided under the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) policy. 

Who is eligible?

Funding is available for artists and crafters who are, or plan to become, registered with the NWT Arts database who are:

• NWT residents
• NWT Indigenous organizations
• NWT businesses
• NWT Associations

Funding

• Purchase of tools and equipment to increase the quality or quantity of production related to arts and crafts or the traditional economy.
• Purchase of raw materials for the production of traditional arts and crafts.
• Purchase of film making equipment.
• Other purchases necessary for self-employment.

Required Documents

• Description of the project along with cost quotes.
• Demonstration of financial need.
• Demonstration of ability to produce art, commercial harvesting, or NWT business license.
• Description of the intended market for products
• Registration with the NWT Arts Database.

For a complete list of required documents see the Application Checklist on the last page of the SEED application.

Equity requirements

• Group One communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik) – 30%
• Group Two communities (all other NWT communities within the NWT) – 20%
• Equity may be in the form of Sweat Equity when the client does not have sufficient cash and income.  

How do I apply?

To apply for Micro Business funding, download the application form below and contact your regional Industry Tourism and Investment office to book an appointment speak with an economic development officer.  

Prospecting Support Program (SEED)

This funding program can help local prospectors looking to identify the NWT’s next big mineral find by investing in the tools, equipment, and activities necessary to prospect.

These funds are provided under the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Policy.

Who is eligible?

• NWT residents
• NWT Indigenous organizations
• NWT businesses

Funding

A maximum of $5,000 within a five three year period is available to assist in:

• Purchasing tools and equipment
• Staking mineral claims

Required Documents

• Description of the project along with cost quotes.
• Demonstration of financial need.

For a complete list of required documents see the Application Checklist on the last page of the SEED application.

Equity requirements

• Group One communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik) – 30%
• Group Two communities (all other NWT communities within the NWT) – 20%
• Equity may be in the form of Sweat Equity when the client does not have sufficient cash and income.

How do I apply?

To apply for Micro Business funding, download the Application form below and contact your regional Industry Tourism and Investment office to book an appointment speak with an economic development officer.  

Film Support (SEED)

This program can help fund your passion for media arts with an investment under the GNWT’s Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) policy.

Funding

Funding is available in several different categories.

Film Development (maximum of $5,000)

For assisting applicants with certain costs associated with completing a:

• Small Production
  • Eligible costs include: Equipment and location rentals, scripting and editing fees, licensing fees or other similar costs.
• Trailer/Pitch Production
  • Eligible costs include: Market and concept research, consultant, scripting, and filming and editing fees.

Note: Producer fees, overhead fees, and employee payroll are not eligible costs under this program. 

Marketing and Promotion (Maximum of $15,000/year)

For assisting applicants in marketing or promoting their skills, services or productions, to increase sales of new or existing NWT film and media arts products and services.

Pitch Marketing ($5,000)

• Eligible costs include: Travel expenses, promotional materials, media/public relations, and product marketing (e.g. Website). 

Product Marketing ($10,000)

• Eligible costs include:
  • Registration fees,
  • Travel expenses,
  • Promotional materials,
  • Media/public relations,
  • Product marketing, distribution or other similar costs.
  • One-time funding for printing and packaging 100 DVDs. 

• Service Marketing ($5,000)
  • Eligible costs include:
    • Registration fees,
    • Travel expenses,
    • Promotional materials,
    • Media/public relations. 

Film Sponsorship (Maximum of $15,000/year)  

• For assisting qualified film and media arts businesses in supporting commercial media products.

Who is eligible?

• NWT residents or NWT businesses engaged in film and media arts production.

• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency. Some ways to demonstrate proficiency include:
  • Completing a production that won an award, or placed highly, in a competition which solicits non-professional entries;
  • Completion of a designation from a recognized film and media arts program over two years or more. 
  • Credited role in a professional production;
  • Documented experience working in the film, television, or media arts industry
  • Registered membership in the NWT Professional Media Association. 

How do I apply?

To apply for film development funding, email your completed form and documents to nwtfilm@gov.nt.ca to begin working with the NWT Film Commission.