Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Closed

Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation

Funding for periodical publishing innovation

Offered by
Canadian Heritage
Official source: canada.ca

Record updated

Funding available
$ 500,000
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Publishing firms producing magazines, in print or digital formats, can apply.
See full eligibility

Overview

Financial assistance supports innovation projects for eligible Canadian periodical publishers and may reach up to $500,000 or 75% of eligible project-related costs, whichever is less. Start-up projects can receive up to 50% of eligible project-related costs, to a maximum of $10,000.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$500,000
Maximum share of project costs
75%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop an online presence
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Access new markets
  • Start a business
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
From $ 2,500 to $ 500,000 in revenue
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Culture and Arts, Business Associations, Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ community, Business owners / entrepreneurs, Artists / creatives, Minority groups
Scope
National

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2025
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Innovation Commercial Funding Update

The program page now indicates that the Innovation commercial stream will be phased out by March 2026, with a final call for applications in 2024-2025 and updated related links.

See more

The main program page now states that the Innovation commercial stream of the Canada Periodical Fund will be phased out by March 2026, with a final application call in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. It also adds a new diversity of voices funding item and updates related reference links, which changes the program context and expected timing for applicants. Most of the detailed eligibility and funding language appears unchanged in the visible content, but the program’s overall status is now clearly time-limited. Applicants should treat the stream as nearing its end and review the updated linked information before planning a submission.

Official source: canada.ca
April 30, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Publishing firms producing magazines, in print or digital formats, can apply.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of magazines and digital periodicals due to their main activities or specific attributes. The restrictions ensure that funding is directed towards innovative projects that align with the Fund's objectives.

  • Daily newspapers in print or digital formats.
  • Periodicals branded to an individual, such as blogs or personal websites.
  • Non-revenue generating free print magazines.
  • Publications produced by or for organizations to primarily report their own activities.
  • Magazines or periodicals linked to product or service promotion.
  • Periodicals produced by non-Canadian entities on behalf of Canadian customers.
  • Publications repeating more than 50% of their content from past issues.
  • Content aggregating listings, directories, or schedules beyond 50% of editorial content.
  • Publications with material designated as offensive, including hate propaganda or material denigrating identifiable groups.

Eligible expenses

The Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund supports projects that enhance innovation and diversify editorial content among Canadian magazines and digital periodicals. Eligible projects should introduce new elements to publishing operations and achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe.

  • Development of new or improved business models, methods, or processes.
  • Creation of new or enhanced products or services.
  • Implementation of new or improved systems or tools.
  • Digitization of back issues of periodicals.
  • Rebranding or redesign of existing publications.
  • Publication of special issues outside the regular schedule.
  • Adoption or use of new media formats.
  • Design and development of mobile applications.
  • Web design and development initiatives.
  • Expansion into new market segments.
  • Execution of advertising and promotional campaigns.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is designed for Canadian print and digital periodical publishers. Eligible publishers must be based primarily in Canada to access the funding.

  • Canadian Provinces and Territories.

Activities funded

The Business Innovation component under the Canada Periodical Fund is designed to encourage innovation within the periodical publishing sector. Eligible projects are those which introduce new technologies, models, or practices to enhance productivity, expand market access, and diversify content.

  • New or improved business models, methods, or processes.
  • New or improved products or services.
  • New or improved systems or tools.
  • Digitization of back issues.
  • Rebranding or redesign initiatives.
  • Special issues outside the regular publishing schedule.
  • Adoption or use of new media.
  • Development of mobile applications.
  • Web design and development projects.
  • Expansion into new markets.
  • Advertising and promotional campaigns.

How to apply

  • Review the Application Guidelines carefully to understand eligibility and requirements.
  • Prepare the supporting documents required in the Application Guidelines.
  • Create an account or log into the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.
  • Fill out the online application form and attach all necessary documents.
  • Submit the complete application package by the deadline.

Documents Needed

  • Application form
  • Proof of legal status, if applicable
  • Consultant quotes, if applicable
  • Written confirmation of in-kind contributions and other funding sources, if applicable
  • Board of Directors resolution for not-for-profit organizations, if applicable

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund are based on several criteria to ensure they meet the program's objectives and demonstrate capacity and viability.

  • How the project meets the objectives of the Canada Periodical Fund, as well as the Business Innovation component.
  • Applicant financial need for the project.
  • Suitability of total project costs to the publisher’s scale of operations.
  • Innovation involved in the project.
  • How the project can demonstrate short-term results, measurable improvement, added value from previous projects or activities, and/or a sustainable strategy.
  • Involvement and assistance or financial commitment from other sources.
  • Demonstrated capacity of the organization to undertake the project.
  • Suitability of the budget to the scale of the project.
  • Clarity and relevance of expected results and performance measures, including indicators that will be used to assess the success of the project.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • The deadline for applications is July 12, 2024, 11:59 pm local time, with extensions available if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
  • Eligible projects must seek new activities distinct from previous ones to achieve specific goals with measurable results.
  • The Business Innovation component is a competitive process with a funding limit of 75% of eligible project-related costs from government sources.

Contacts

fondsdesperiodiquescanada-canadaperiodicalfund@pch.gc.ca
1-866-811-0055

Official sources

Application Guidelines - Magazines - Business Innovation

Official page

Magazines - Business Innovation - Canada Periodical Fund

Application form

Business Innovation Canada Periodical Fund (CPF)Forms - Business Innovation
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation Program

What is the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation?

Financial assistance supports innovation projects for eligible Canadian periodical publishers and may reach up to $500,000 or 75% of eligible project-related costs, whichever is less. Start-up projects can receive up to 50% of eligible project-related costs, to a maximum of $10,000.

How much funding can be received?

Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation program?

To be eligible for the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation program, you must: The publishing firm must be a private-sector entity, including corporations, not-for-profit organizations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships. The firm must be majority-owned and controlled by Canadians, with its principal place of business in Canada. The firm must have published one or more eligible periodicals at the application deadline.

What expenses are eligible under Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation?

The Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund supports projects that enhance innovation and diversify editorial content among Canadian magazines and digital periodicals. Eligible projects should introduce new elements to publishing operations and achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe. Development of new or improved business models, methods, or processes. Creation of new or enhanced products or services. Implementation of new or improved systems or tools. Digitization of back issues of periodicals. Rebranding or redesign of existing publications. Publication of special issues outside the regular schedule. Adoption or use of new media formats. Design and development of mobile applications. Web design and development initiatives. Expansion into new market segments. Execution of advertising and promotional campaigns.

Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation?

You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at fondsdesperiodiquescanada-canadaperiodicalfund@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.

Where is the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation available?

The Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation program is available across Canada.

Is the Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Canada Periodical Fund — Business Innovation is a Grant and Funding