Closed
CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program
Supports early-stage scripted development for emerging Indigenous creators
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 26, 2025
- Closing date : July 24, 2025
Location
Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce 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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program?
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.
How much funding can be received?
CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was July 24, 2025.
Who is eligible for the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program program?
To be eligible for the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program program, you must:
Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% First Nations, Inuit, or Métis ownership)
Registered as a corporation with head office in Canada
Main activity is the production or support of screen-based content
What expenses are eligible under CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program?
You can contact Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).
Where is the CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program available?
The CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program program is available across Canada.