How much funding can be received?

Get advice, solutions and tools to grow, acquire a business, attract creative talent, or make a digital transformation in the creative and cultural industries.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers specialized financing solutions tailored specifically for businesses in the creative and cultural industries. These modalities are designed to enable growth, innovation, and preservation of ownership.

Higher percentage of financing to meet distinct project needs.
Longer repayment periods to provide financial flexibility.
Payments matched to the cash flow of the business for easier financial management.
Financing designed to avoid diluting business ownership.
Expert advice from seasoned advisors familiar with the industry.

grant_single_labels|projects

The BDC Industries grant for Creation and Culture supports projects in Canada's creative and cultural industries aimed at expanding market reach, acquiring companies, attracting talent, and undergoing digital transformations. It offers financing solutions and advisory services tailored to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

Projects to expand into new local or international markets.
Acquisition initiatives within the creative sector.
Attracting and retaining skilled creative talent.
Undergoing digital transformation for creative and cultural businesses.
Producing and developing original content in media, audiovisual, and related fields.
Undertaking consolidation projects or business transitions in the creative industry.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 80,000

Attract creative talent for a new digital media project

$ 70,000

Undergo a digital transformation for our small publishing house

$ 100,000

Expand into the European market by establishing a new office

$ 120,000

Expand into new markets by opening an art gallery

$ 180,000

Acquire a tech startup to boost innovation at our company

$ 150,000

Acquire a local business to enhance our product offerings

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this program is geared towards businesses within the creative and cultural industries seeking to grow through various strategic initiatives.

The business must operate within the creative and cultural industries, such as media, audiovisual, video games, motion picture and video production, sound recording, radio and television broadcasting, design, printing, performing arts, and spectator sports.
The business must be looking to expand into new markets, acquire a company, attract creative talent, or undergo a digital transformation.
The project should focus on consolidation, business transition, or the development of original content.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This program is available for businesses operating in the creative and cultural industries, specifically those involved in projects like content development, consolidations, or business transitions. It targets enterprises looking to expand, innovate, or acquire in sectors such as media, video games, and performing arts.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.

Businesses outside the creative and cultural industries
Companies not engaged in media, design, performing arts, or related fields

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports businesses in the creative and cultural industries to enhance their market presence and expand business operations. The eligible projects focus on accessing financing, acquiring companies, attracting creative talent, and digital transformation.

Projects for expanding into new local or international markets.
Company acquisition initiatives to strengthen business offerings.
Talent acquisition projects to enhance creative capabilities.
Undertaking digital transformation to innovate and improve business processes.
Developing original content in the media and cultural sectors.
Business transition projects in the creative industries.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is designed to support businesses across Canada in the creative and cultural industries. It is provided by BDC to aid companies nationwide in achieving their growth objectives.

Eligible for companies across Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation process considers various factors to determine eligibility and the potential impact of the project.

Demonstrated need for financing
Viability and potential for growth
Alignment with the creative and cultural industries
Sound business plan and financial projections
Potential for job creation or retention
Innovative content or approach

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Contact the BDC Growth & Transition Capital team to discuss your specific project needs and determine eligibility.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation
- Prepare detailed information about your business, including financial statements and a comprehensive business plan highlighting the creative and cultural aspects of your project.
- Document your intended use of the funds, such as expansion, acquisition, talent attraction, or technological investments.
Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal
- Create a project proposal that includes objectives, expected outcomes, and a clear plan of action.
- Highlight how the project will contribute to the growth and success of Canada's creative and cultural industries.
Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit your application, including all supporting documents, directly to the BDC Growth & Transition Capital team.
- Ensure all materials are complete and submitted before the program deadline in December 2024.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of the application's receipt from BDC.
- Prepare for any follow-up questions or additional information requests from the review team.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Program is specifically designed not to dilute ownership, providing an affordable alternative to equity.
Financing solutions are available without diluting ownership in your company.
The program is open to applications up until December 2024.
Offers expert advisors with industry-specific knowledge for guidance and strategy.
Flexible terms include a higher percentage of financing and longer repayment periods tailored to cash flow.

Apply to this program

Unlock Growth in Canada’s Creative and Cultural Industries

This grant provides financial support and expert advisory services to businesses within Canada's creative and cultural sectors. It enables companies to innovate, expand, and make a unique mark on both local and international stages.

Details on How the Grant Addresses Business Needs in Creative Industries

The grant focuses on empowering companies in media, audiovisual, video games, design, performing arts, and more by offering tailored financing solutions and strategic advisory services. This comprehensive program is specifically engineered to help Canadian creative and cultural industries expand into new markets, attract exceptional creative talents, and undergo critical digital transformation efforts. By providing access to capital, the program ensures companies have the resources needed to innovate, grow, and remain competitive internationally, all the while preserving company ownership and avoiding equity dilution.

Through this initiative, participants can tap into BDC’s Growth & Transition Capital team expertise, availing of financing tailored to consolidate projects and develop original content. The program, which concludes in December 2024, offers flexible financing terms with options for longer repayment periods and payment structures aligned with business cash flows. This flexibility ensures that businesses can manage their finances efficiently, facilitating smoother transition phases, and reducing financial strain during expansion projects.

In addition to financial assistance, the grant provides substantial advisory support. Participants can develop robust sales and marketing strategies, enhance their human resources policies to attract and retain creative talent, and improve overall financial management. These strategic services are augmented by seasoned advisors who understand the intricacies of the creative and cultural industries.

Beyond immediate financial and advisory benefits, the program fosters a community of innovation, connecting businesses with key industry players and partners who can further enable business growth and diversification. The grant is also supplemented by educational resources and practical tools, such as cash flow management quizzes and ratio calculators, to empower decision-making and operational improvements within these creative and cultural enterprises.

This proactive support system is a reflection of a larger commitment to enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Canada’s cultural and creative businesses, allowing them to craft distinctive and bold visions that resonate with international audiences. Participating companies are thus well-positioned to face challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving market landscape.

As the grant opportunity underscores, the innovative momentum within these industries is contingent on strategic support and capital availability. This program not only nurtures existing capabilities but also stimulates the creation of new pathways to success, cultivating a thriving creative economy that is based on sustainable and impactful growth.

The rich ecosystem of tools, partnerships, and transformative services under this initiative highlights its role as a pivotal force in driving forward Canada’s creative and cultural sectors. For businesses ready to elevate their standing and innovation, this grant offers an indispensable stepping stone towards enduring success and significant international presence.