AcceleratiON Program

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

• Track record of the business and/or its founders (20%).
• Feasibility of the budget and proposed activities (15%).
• Innovation, quality, and creativity presented in the proposal (25%).
• Degree to which the proposed activities will contribute to the growth, capacity, and sustainability of the business (20%).
• Potential for critical and commercial success as a result of the investment (20%).

• Step 1: Create an Online Account
  • Visit the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca.
  • Register for a user account on the portal if you do not already have one by clicking “Register.”
  • Refer to the OAP Quick Start Guide for assistance if required.
• Step 2: Review Program Guidelines and Prepare for Application
  • Read the AcceleratiON program guidelines and supporting documentation thoroughly.
  • Attend the AcceleratiON Information Session and/or contact the Program Coordinator if you need clarification or additional information.
  • Download and review useful templates and resources, such as the Budget Template and Grant Writing Tips from the Ontario Creates website.
• Step 3: Gather Required Materials
  • Prepare applicant contact and self-identification information.
  • Gather business documents: Articles of Incorporation or Master Business Licence.
  • Complete the budget template provided by Ontario Creates, ensuring all costs are eligible and justified.
  • Prepare recent financial statements if requesting more than $10,000 (Notice-to-Reader or internally prepared profit & loss statements).
  • Collect at least three of the following supporting documents: resumes/CVs of key management, marketing materials/press clippings, streaming/social metrics, letters of support, corporate slide deck/business model canvas, business/marketing/strategic plan, or supplier quotes/bank statements confirming financing.
• Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
  • Log in to the OAP and complete all required fields in the online application form.
  • Respond to the five application questions covering business description, owner(s) track record, company overview and achievements, corporate goals, and a detailed description of the activity/activities to be funded.
  • Provide rationales for budgeted items and measurable outcomes for the project.
• Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents and Submit Application
  • Upload all required supporting documentation to the portal as specified in the guidelines.
  • Ensure all documentation and the completed application are submitted by the deadline (Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET).
  • Late applications will not be considered, and missing documentation is not automatically requested by the program administrators.
• Step 6: Confirmation and Communication
  • Upon successful submission, retain confirmation of your submission for your records.
  • Monitor communication from Ontario Creates for decisions and possible clarifications or additional steps.

• 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.