Closed
AcceleratiON Program
Supports Black and Indigenous-owned music businesses in Ontario
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,500 - $ 20,000
Timeline
- Closing date : November 13, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The AcceleratiON Program provides direct grants of up to $20,000 to support new and emerging Black- and Indigenous-owned music businesses in Ontario. Funding is available for activities such as business development, creative production, marketing, strategic travel, and operations to foster economic and cultural growth within the music industry.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Minimum amount : 2,500 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 13, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business development initiatives to expand operational capacity or strategic planning.
- Creative projects such as music recording, content creation, or live event production.
- Marketing and promotional campaigns to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement.
- Participation in strategic business travel or industry conferences.
- Operational enhancements, including increasing staffing or improving administrative functions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Record labels
- Music publishers
- Artist managers
- Concert promoters
- Festival presenters
- Booking agents
- Recording studios
- Music production businesses
- Podcasters and owners of original content platforms
- Music publicists
- Music marketing businesses
Who is not eligible
- Businesses and organizations that have previously received support through any other Ontario Creates investment program.
- Companies that are not Black- or Indigenous-owned music businesses.
- Businesses that do not generate the majority of their revenue from music-based activities.
- Professional development activities run by not-for-profit entities (such as workshops, song camps, panel sessions) are not eligible for funding.
Eligible expenses
- Business development expenses, such as HR capacity expansion, professional development course fees, business planning consultants, and accounting and legal services.
- Creative development costs, including recording, production, and expenses related to content creation or production of live music events.
- Marketing and promotional expenditures, such as brand development, advertising, and publicity.
- Strategic business travel and/or conference attendance related to business growth.
- Operational expenses, including staffing, administrative, and overhead costs.
- Capital expenditures (for equipment, materials, or software) and in-kind expenses are covered up to a maximum of 10% of the total budget.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Additional information
- Decisions will be communicated to applicants approximately 14 weeks after the application deadline.
- The number and amount of awards depend on the annual budget confirmation of Ontario Creates.
- Ontario Creates reserves the right to alter program guidelines with a public notice to potential applicants.
- All information in the application is kept strictly confidential as per the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AcceleratiON Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AcceleratiON 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 AcceleratiON Program?
The AcceleratiON Program provides direct grants of up to $20,000 to support new and emerging Black- and Indigenous-owned music businesses in Ontario. Funding is available for activities such as business development, creative production, marketing, strategic travel, and operations to foster economic and cultural growth within the music industry.
How much funding can be received?
AcceleratiON Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the AcceleratiON Program program?
To be eligible for the AcceleratiON Program program, you must:
Black- or Indigenous-owned music business, majority revenue from music activities
Incorporated or registered business, operating for at least one year
Ontario resident for minimum one year at time of application
What expenses are eligible under AcceleratiON Program?
Business development initiatives to expand operational capacity or strategic planning.
Creative projects such as music recording, content creation, or live event production.
Marketing and promotional campaigns to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement.
Participation in strategic business travel or industry conferences.
Operational enhancements, including increasing staffing or improving administrative functions.
Who can I contact for more information about the AcceleratiON Program?
You can contact Ontario Creates by email at acceleratiON@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-642-6696.
Where is the AcceleratiON Program available?
The AcceleratiON Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the AcceleratiON Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AcceleratiON Program is a Grant and Funding