Who Can Apply for Creative Export Canada: Eligibility Criteria Explained
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export-Ready Stream provides substantial funding opportunities for Canadian creative industries aiming to expand their reach internationally. Understanding who can apply is crucial to determining your organization's eligibility for this program. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, helping you assess whether your business can leverage this funding opportunity to enhance its export capabilities.
Overview of Creative Export Canada
The Creative Export Canada program focuses on supporting Canadian creative industries to generate export revenues and increase their global presence. The Export-Ready Stream specifically targets projects that are ready to enter international markets, offering funding assistance for initiatives that promise to enhance Canada's creative export profitability.
Applicant Type Requirements
To apply for Creative Export Canada funding, your organization must meet the following criteria:
Be incorporated under Canadian, provincial, or territorial laws. Organizations registered on First Nations reserve lands may write to the program to submit proof of their registration.
Be a for-profit company or a not-for-profit organization.
Be Canadian-owned and controlled, with ownership and control criteria clearly defined under Canadian law.
Have a maximum of $500 million in annual revenues, including revenues from parent companies.
Employ at least one full-time employee who works a minimum of 30 hours a week.
Size & Scale Criteria
Eligible applicants must adhere to size and scale requirements, ensuring that they do not exceed the revenue threshold. Applicants should not be subsidiaries of entities with revenues surpassing $500 million annually.
Geographic Eligibility
The program mandates that applicants be based in Canada and control their operations from within the country. This criterion reinforces the program's goal to bolster Canadian creative industries globally.
Project & Activity Requirements
Your project must align with specific industry criteria, including:
Being export-ready at the project start date.
Involving creative industries such as artistic craft, audiovisual, design, music, performing arts, publishing, visual arts, or interactive digital media.
Having a minimum total cost of $150,000 and being funded at least 25% by private sources.
Financial & Operational Criteria
Candidates must demonstrate financial health and operational capacity to manage funded projects. This includes providing recent financial statements and proof of other funding sources.
Ineligible Applicants
Entities ineligible for CEC funding include:
Individuals and public relations or marketing agencies.
Organizations already receiving certain public or private funding.
Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with revenues over $500 million annually.
Recipients who have received CEC funding for more than three years within the past five years.
Special Cases & Exceptions
Reserved funding is available for organizations where at least 50% of owners or board members identify as Indigenous or from equity-deserving communities. Applicants from these groups are encouraged to complete a voluntary self-identification questionnaire to qualify for reserved funding.
Self-Assessment Checklist
To self-assess your eligibility:
Is your organization incorporated and Canadian-controlled?
Does your organization fit within the revenue and employee size criteria?
Are your projects within the eligible creative industries?
Can you secure necessary rights and private funding?
Conclusion
Understanding the eligibility criteria for Creative Export Canada is essential for potential applicants to determine their fit for this competitive program. By aligning with these requirements, your organization can take advantage of this opportunity to expand its creative exports and achieve global success.
