Closed
NWT Arts Business Support Fund
Funding for arts business growth in the NWT
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
The Arts Business Support Fund offers up to $10,000 to support the start-up or growth of arts-related businesses in the Northwest Territories. It supports business start-up costs, equipment purchases, first-run production for sale, and marketing and promotion activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting an arts business
- Expanding services for established artists
- Purchasing art equipment and tools
- Creating first-run inventory for commercial sale
- Marketing and promoting an arts business
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Professional and/or artistic resume
- Samples of work, if applying for inventory reproduction
- Copies of quotes
- Proof of NWT residency
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional artists
- Individual entrepreneurs
- Sole proprietors
- Small businesses in the arts sector
Eligible expenses
- Arts business start-up costs, including business licence and registration fees
- Equipment and tool purchases for arts activities
- First-run production of original artwork for sale
- Marketing and promotion costs, including websites, design, printing, videos, and agency fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Subsequent commercial print runs
- Raw materials and artwork bought for resale
- Operating costs such as rent, wages, food, and utilities
- Office expenses and GST/HST/PST on eligible costs
- Assets already acquired or previously funded by GNWT or the Government of Canada
Eligible geographic areas
- Northwest Territories
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after a complete submission is received.
- Applicants are informed in writing within 15 business days of review.
- Approved applicants receive a contribution agreement with payment and reporting terms.
- The agreement must be signed and returned before payment is made.
- Projects must be approved before work begins.
Additional information
- Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual budget is exhausted.
- Funding recipients must credit the GNWT in publicity related to the funded activities.
- A contribution agreement must be signed before payment is issued.
- Applicants may only have one funded project at a time.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NWT Arts Business Support Fund Program
What is the NWT Arts Business Support Fund?
The Arts Business Support Fund offers up to $10,000 to support the start-up or growth of arts-related businesses in the Northwest Territories. It supports business start-up costs, equipment purchases, first-run production for sale, and marketing and promotion activities.
How much funding can be received?
NWT Arts Business Support Fund Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the NWT Arts Business Support Fund program?
To be eligible for the NWT Arts Business Support Fund program, you must:
NWT resident or business
Arts-related activity
One project at a time
What expenses are eligible under NWT Arts Business Support Fund?
Starting an arts business
Expanding services for established artists
Purchasing art equipment and tools
Creating first-run inventory for commercial sale
Marketing and promoting an arts business
Who can I contact for more information about the NWT Arts Business Support Fund?
You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) by email at none or by phone at 867-767-9202 ext. 63035.
Where is the NWT Arts Business Support Fund available?
The NWT Arts Business Support Fund program is available the province of Northwest Territories.
Is the NWT Arts Business Support Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NWT Arts Business Support Fund is a Grant and Funding