Incentive Calculator

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GrantSource: Nova Scotia Business Inc.· Last verified 2026-06-09
Your budget
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Production details
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Estimated incentive
Early estimate
CA$286,000
23.8% of total budget · 26% of qualified spend
Total budget
CA$1,200,000
Qualified spend
CA$1,100,000
Base credit
CA$286,000
Uplift
CA$0
Line-by-line — why each number is what it is
Director · CA$150,000CA$39,000
26% on qualified in-jurisdiction spend · 26% on CA$150,000
Lead cast · CA$250,000CA$65,000
26% on qualified in-jurisdiction spend · 26% on CA$250,000
Local crew · CA$400,000CA$104,000
26% on qualified in-jurisdiction spend · 26% on CA$400,000
Camera & grip rental · CA$180,000CA$46,800
26% on qualified in-jurisdiction spend · 26% on CA$180,000
Locations & stage · CA$120,000CA$31,200
26% on qualified in-jurisdiction spend · 26% on CA$120,000
Post (out of state) · CA$100,000
Does not match this program's qualifying-spend definition.
Uplifts & bonuses
Regional / frequent-filming bonusNot applied
Not applied — condition not met. Higher rates for filming outside the Halifax core and for frequent filming.
From credit to cash

A direct payment from the state after a CPA audit and compliance sign-off. There's no buyer or broker — the headline figure is the cash, paid on the state's timeline.

Gross rebate/grantCA$286,000
Paid after auditCA$286,000

Typical timing: ~9 months after audit/filing.

  • Researched estimate — confirm exact rates, caps, and qualifying-spend rules with the film office before relying on these numbers.
Every figure is traceable to a named rule above.
This incentive is your first money in.

Drop it into a capital stack and see how the rest of the raise — equity, pre-sales, gap — fits, and how investors get paid back.

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This is an estimate, not advice.

Every number here is an estimate generated from published program rules and your inputs. Programs change with each legislative session, and qualification depends on details a calculator can't see. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Before you make a financing decision, confirm everything with the state film office and a qualified CPA and entertainment attorney.