How much funding can be received?

Financial assistance of up to $500,000 or 75% of the total eligible project-related cost, whichever is less, for business innovation projects. For start-up projects, you can get funds up to 50% of total eligible project-related costs to a maximum of $10,000.

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This grant is available to companies located throughout Canada. Eligible publishing firms must have their principal place of business in Canada.

Companies with their principal place of business in Canada.

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$39,750

Digitize back issues for an online periodical archive

$52,500

Develop a web platform for community-generated news content

$45,000

Develop a mobile app for e-commerce magazine subscriptions

$75,000

Rebrand a tech magazine to attract a younger demographic

$93,750

Create an advertising campaign to expand into new markets

$33,750

Launch a special issue of a local community newspaper focused on sustainability

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The eligibility criteria for the Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund grant include the following key points: - Publishing firms producing print magazines, digital periodicals, or print community newspapers (non-daily) are eligible to apply. - The publishing firm must be a private-sector entity majority owned and controlled by Canadians. - The firm must have its principal place of business in Canada. - Eligible periodicals must be majority owned and controlled by Canadians and meet specific criteria related to editorial content, advertising percentages, and circulation. - Print magazines must be published at a frequency of between two and 56 issues per year, with specific requirements for circulation and pricing. - Digital-only magazines must meet various criteria related to content, circulation, revenue, and editorial functions. - Ineligible publications include daily newspapers, inserts, websites, blogs, loose leaf magazines, newsletters, and others listed in the guidelines. - Eligible projects must be new activities designed to achieve specific goals over a fixed time period. - Applicants must submit a complete application package, including proof of legal status, in-kind contributions, and other required documents. These are some of the key eligibility criteria for the Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund. For full details and specific requirements, applicants should refer to the official guidelines provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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

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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.

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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.

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Eligible expenses for the Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund are those directly related to the successful implementation of the project and can be of either cash or in-kind value.

Venue and equipment rental.
Specialized software licensing during the project period.
Promotion and marketing costs.
Professional fees, such as those for contractors.
Training expenses.
Paid internships.
Project-related travel expenses that do not exceed government rates.
Translation costs.
Project-related salary costs of employees, limited to less than 25% of total eligible project expenses.
Project-related overhead costs, such as mailings, limited to a maximum of 10% of the total recommended amount.
Costs of an audited financial report if the contribution is $250,000 and over, or when required by the Program.

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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.

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Step 1: Read the Guidelines
- Read the Application Guidelines in their entirety to ensure understanding of eligibility and requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of legal status, if applicable.
- Quotes from consultants, if applicable.
- Written confirmation of in-kind contributions and other sources of funding, if applicable.
- Resolution of the Board of Directors for not-for-profit organizations.
- Print magazines: digital marked up copy of the last issue, printing invoices, or circulation report.
- Digital-only magazines: unlimited access to the digital magazine and web analytics report.
Step 3: Register for a Business Number
- A business number is required for the application. Register at the Canada Revenue Agency website if you don't have one.
Step 4: Complete the Application Online
- Log in to the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 5: Review and Submit Application
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit your application electronically through the portal before the deadline.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation
- Receive an automatic confirmation email upon submission.
- Retain the confirmation email for your records.

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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.

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Canada Periodical Fund – Business Innovation

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1-866-811-0055

Apply to this program

Innovation in Canadian Periodicals with Business Innovation Grant

The Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund offers financial support to Canadian publishers looking to drive innovation within the periodical industry. This grant focuses on helping small to mid-sized publishers adapt to market changes and increase their financial viability through innovative projects.

Detailed Insights into the Business Innovation Grant Opportunities

The Business Innovation component of the Canada Periodical Fund is set to hold its final call for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, following its removal from the future Departmental Plans by Canadian Heritage. This grant aims to support Canadian publications, including print magazines, digital periodicals, and community newspapers, which are vital conduits for diverse Canadian editorial content and serve to bridge cultural and regional divides. By fostering innovation, the grant underscores the importance of modernization and technological adaptation to ensure the sustainability and cultural representation in Canadian periodicals.

Innovation, as defined within this grant, encompasses the adoption of new technologies, changes in business models, and/or improvements in current processes. Such initiatives are crucial given the rapidly changing media landscapes and consumer demands. The grant caters specifically to publishers seeking to undertake new and innovative projects that are outside their usual operations. These projects might include digital transformation efforts, such as developing online platforms or mobile applications, enhancing distribution models, or engaging in thorough market research to understand reader dynamics better.

Eligible applicants, primarily small-to-mid-sized Canadian-owned print and digital publication firms, must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to producing content that reflects Canadian heritage and culture. This is evident through stringent criteria such as maintaining specific quotas for Canadian editorial content, and the framework emphasizes nurturing the next generation of professional Canadians in the publishing sector. The grant also uniquely prioritizes underrepresented publications, such as those from official-language minorities, Indigenous groups, and ethnic communities, acknowledging their critical role in preserving cultural diversity.

The comprehensive application process requires detailed documentation that supports eligibility, such as proof of Canadian ownership, evidence of market circulation, and analytics for digital periodicals. It's essential for applicants to illustrate how proposed projects align with the overarching goals of business sustainability and innovation, providing measurable outcomes that can reinforce the publisher's market standing.

With a competitive landscape for funding, the role of this grant is crucial not just in fostering innovation but in sustaining the diversity of the Canadian publishing sector. Successful applicants receive tangible support that can cover a broad spectrum of project-related expenses, fostering creativity and long-term viability within the industry. Maximum financial support can reach up to 75% of eligible project costs, underscoring the government's commitment to facilitating substantial growth and transformation.

In summary, the Business Innovation component acts as a catalyst for the Canadian publishing industry, aiming to bolster various periodicals' ability to innovate and thrive in the current market. While this marks the last opportunity for businesses to access such targeted funding, it emphasizes the continued importance of diversification and adaptability within the sector. This initiative not only seeks to enhance the availability of unique Canadian content but also supports the structural and operational advancements necessary for long-term success.