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CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Canada
Supports early-stage scripted development for emerging Indigenous creators
Grant and Funding
Overview
The CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program provides up to $30,000 in funding to support emerging Indigenous television creators in moving scripted projects from pre-development into development and production. Eligible activities include script development, project pitching, team building, and industry-specific training.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : June 26, 2025
- Closing date : July 24, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Activities funded
- Development of scripted television projects from pre-development to early development stage.
- Creation of project bibles, character profiles, and story arcs for potential TV productions.
- Preparation and refinement of pitch materials and pitch decks for television series concepts.
- Building relationships with broadcasters and industry professionals to advance project development.
- Custom training and mentorship tailored to the needs of emerging Indigenous writers and producers in the scripted TV sector.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 29,900
Creation of a dramatic limited series inspired by Métis history
$ 29,250
Animated series concept development about Ojibwe legends for children
$ 29,500
Development of a supernatural drama series with Indigenous themes
$ 28,000
Drama pilot script development focused on Indigenous language revitalization
$ 29,750
Industry training and pitch refinement for Indigenous sci-fi series team
$ 29,800
Script and pitch development for teen comedy rooted in Inuit culture
Eligibility
- The company must be at least 51% owned and controlled by First Nations, Inuit or Métis persons who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- The company must be registered as a corporation with its head office located in Canada.
- The project must be under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons, with at least two of the three key creative roles (director, screenwriter, showrunner/creative producer) held by Indigenous individuals.
- The company's main activity must be the production or support of screen-based content, such as TV, film, digital narrative, web, or XR (VR, AR).
- The company must not be insolvent, bankrupt, or in the course of business reorganization.
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous-controlled companies (minimum 51% First Nations, Inuit, or Métis ownership) engaged in the production or support of screen-based content
- Corporations registered in Canada with activities in TV, film, web, digital narrative content, or XR (VR, AR)
Who is not eligible
- Companies that are not Indigenous-controlled (less than 51% owned by First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents).
- Businesses whose main activity is not the production or support of screen-based content (e.g., companies outside of film, TV, web, digital narrative content, or XR industries).
- Companies not registered as a corporation with a head office in Canada.
- Companies that are insolvent, bankrupt, or undergoing business reorganization within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).
Eligible expenses
- Development of project materials such as bible, character and story arcs, and scripts.
- Support for building broadcaster relationships and industry standards compliance.
- Consulting and professional fees (e.g., for application writing support, video or audio recording, equipment rentals, language interpretation/translation).
- Pitching and project presentation costs, including the creation of pitch decks.
- Budgeting and broadcast requirements-related expenses.
- Accessibility support expenses, up to $500 for application-related needs (e.g., application writing, equipment rentals, professional fees, language support).
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies with head offices located in Canada.
- Applicants who are First Nations, Inuit, or Métis persons residing in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Vision and strength of the project idea.
- Viability of the project and readiness, including its scope and timeline.
- Impact, including advancement of the applicant’s career within Indigenous storytelling and potential contribution to the Indigenous Screen Sector or cultural enrichment.
- Regional and intersectional representation.
- Thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and clarity of the application.
How to apply
1
Read the program guidelines
- Review the ISO General Funding Guidelines before starting your application
- Ensure you understand all program requirements and criteria
2
Verify Indigenous identity eligibility
- Consult the ISO Determining Indigenous Identity Guide
- Verify eligibility regarding Indigenous identity requirements
3
Prepare required documents
- Gather all required documents such as bios, CVs, project proposal, and pitch deck
- Prepare documents for upload on the ISO portal
4
Complete online application forms
- Complete the eligibility form and application forms on the ISO portal
- Fill out project information and upload supporting materials
5
Review and validate application
- Review all entered information and attached documents for completeness and accuracy
- Ensure all requirements in the checklist are met
6
Submit your application
- Submit your completed application via the ISO portal by the deadline (July 24, 2025, 5:00pm PST)
- Applications will not be accepted after the deadline
7
Await funding results
- Wait for funding decision notifications (expected within 1-2 months after the deadline)
- Respond to any additional information requests if contacted
Additional information
- Recipients are required to acknowledge ISO support with a bilingual animated logo in the credit sequence or appropriate placement in completed work.
- Applicants can request accessibility funding of up to $500 to address barriers during the application process, such as language, technology, or disability accommodations.
- If a project’s material aspects or budget changes, prior approval from ISO is required before reallocating funds to new project activities.
- Applicants with outstanding final reports in any ISO program are ineligible for further funding until submitted and approved.
