How much funding can be received?

The Programme pour les Projets Commerciaux aims to fund Canadian interactive digital media projects with high potential for commercial success, covering up to 75% of eligible expenses or a maximum of $1.5 million. Eligible activities include creating a final marketable version of the project, localization, and initial marketing or commercialization efforts.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The CMF — Commercial Projects Program provides a range of financing options designed to support the creation of commercially successful Canadian interactive digital media projects. The program's financial contribution helps ensure projects reach a marketable and final version.

The CMF will contribute up to 75% of the eligible expenses of a project, with a maximum contribution limit of CAD 1.5 million, dependent on which is lesser.
Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, content research, project team salaries and benefits, technological infrastructure, travel and accommodation, project audit fees, localization activities, and promotional expenses.
Applicants are required to allocate between 25% and 50% of the production budget categories B + C to eligible marketing and promotion expenses.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects under the CMF Commercial Projects Program are focused on the creation and commercialization of Canadian interactive digital media with high commercial success potential. These projects aim to finalize and market a commercially viable version of the media content.

Creation of a market-ready version of an interactive digital media project.
Projects demonstrating a clear business opportunity and pathway to profitability.
Projects with completed ideation and prototyping stages ready for market exploitation.
Incorporation of localization and initial marketing activities for the digital media project.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires that applicants meet specific criteria as outlined in the related sections of the main module.

The applicant must meet the criteria set out in section 3.1 of the MNI - Main Module.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This program focuses on supporting Canadian interactive digital media projects that have a high potential for commercial success. Eligible projects are evaluated based on specific criteria.

Team Background and Achievements in Interactive Digital Media (17 points)
Gender Parity - 40% of key roles held by individuals identifying as women (2 points)
Diversity - 40% of key roles held by individuals from diverse communities (2 points)
Community Engagement and Sustainability Plan - Commitment to responsible content creation and environmental practices (4 points)
Potential of Commercial Success in Content and Form, Financial Viability (45 points)
Strategic Positioning and Marketing Plan - Market analysis and marketing strategy coherence (34 points)

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the project.

Research and content preparation.
Remuneration, benefits, salaries, and contracts for project teams (project management, business development, coding, design, system infrastructure, content development).
Technological infrastructure (hardware and software).
Travel and accommodation expenses.
Project audit fees.
Other technical and administrative expenses.
Localization activities.
Marketing and promotion.
Reasonable costs incurred through activities and practices aimed at environmental sustainability or by hiring staff dedicated to these activities and practices.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Team (17 points): Includes experience in interactive digital media, accomplishments, collaboration history, capability to deliver, and narrative positioning.
Parity (2 points): Projects must achieve parity with 40% of interactive digital media positions occupied by those identifying as women.
Diversity (2 points): Projects must have 40% of positions filled by members of diverse communities.
Community and Sustainability Engagement (4 points): Involves community engagement and environmental sustainability plans with concrete actions and reporting.
Potential for Commercial Success (45 points): Evaluates design elements for audience reach, distinctive content, financial viability, budget accuracy, financial stability, revenue model potential, and revenue projections.
Strategic Positioning and Marketing (34 points): Considers market analysis, audience understanding, strategic marketing fit, and third-party publisher/distributor interest.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
Ensure your project meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in the "MNI - Module principal" and the specific criteria for this program.
Ensure your organization qualifies as a Requérant admissible.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Draft a detailed project proposal highlighting the potential for commercial success.
Obtain a letter of intention from a third-party publisher or distributor if applicable, or prepare an alternative marketing plan.
Compile financial documents to prove the stability and financial viability of your project.
Prepare additional reports, such as a community engagement plan and a sustainability plan.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Fill out the application form provided by the funding body, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.
Include all necessary supporting documents with your application.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit your completed application and all accompanying documents before the submission deadline.
Verify receipt of submission to ensure successful delivery.
Step 5: Await Evaluation and Decision
Wait for the funding body to review your application using the specified evaluation criteria.
Respond to any requests for additional information from the evaluators.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Programme allows a maximum contribution of 75% of the eligible expenses or up to 1.5 million dollars, whichever is lesser.
Admissible projects can reapply to different programs if previously refused, but not during the same application periods for both the Programme for commercial projects and the Programme for innovation and experimentation.
Projects rejected twice for specific activities since 2010-2011 cannot reapply for funding for the same activity.
Up to 50% of the budget can be committed during the initial application round, with the remainder allocated to subsequent submissions.
Applicants must commit to community engagement and sustainability measures, with reports confirming actions taken.
A letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor is necessary, though financial commitment is not required, and alternatives must be clearly outlined if this requirement is waived.

Apply to this program

Unlock Funding for Commercial Media Projects

The Programme for Commercial Projects provides essential funding for Canadian interactive digital media initiatives showing high commercial success potential. It aims to support the transformation of concepts into marketable products that are ready for distribution.

Detailed Exploration of the Grant's Benefits and Requirements

The Programme for Commercial Projects is an initiative designed by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) to bolster the country's digital media industry by providing financial assistance to projects with strong commercial prospects. This program focuses on the later stages of product development, emphasizing projects that have moved beyond the ideation and prototyping phases and are prepared for market launch. The grant encourages the creation of final and market-ready versions of digital media projects, encompassing localization and initial marketing strategies.

Eligible projects must demonstrate a high potential for commercial success, assessed through their ability to meet business objectives, maximize monetization possibilities, and achieve profitability. This requirement ensures that only projects with significant market potential receive funding, contributing to the overall robustness and versatility of the Canadian digital media landscape. Projects that secure funding can utilize the grant for a variety of permissible expenses, covering content research and preparation, team remuneration, technological infrastructure, project audit fees, marketing and promotion, and efforts towards environmental sustainability.

An important criterion for project eligibility is the contribution of third-party publishers or distributors. Projects must be accompanied by a letter of intent from a publisher or distributor who is not related to the applicant, promising to actively market and promote the project. In some cases, the CMF may waive this requirement if alternative provisions for project marketing are clearly outlined or if the applicant can independently demonstrate efficient distribution capabilities.

The programme also values projects from diverse communities and those contributing towards gender parity within their teams. Projects must reflect a commitment to diversity by having a considerable portion of their interactive digital media positions filled by individuals identifying as women or as part of diverse communities. This criterion addresses the broader social responsibility of ensuring varied representation within media projects.

Moreover, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive plan addressing community engagement and sustainability. This includes proposals for creating content responsibly and incorporating environmentally considerate practices throughout project execution. Upon project completion, teams are expected to provide reports confirming the fulfillment of these commitments.

Financially, the CMF's contribution can cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses or up to CAD 1.5 million, whichever is lower. Projects are assessed on their financial viability, strategic positioning, market analysis, and projected sales strategy. The multifaceted evaluation process ensures that funds are awarded to projects demonstrating both innovative potential and practicable implementation plans.

Through this programme, the CMF not only fosters growth within Canada's interactive media sector but also champions cultural diversity and sustainable practices. The financial backing provided by the programme essentially empowers Canadian developers to create competitive content that can succeed in both domestic and international markets.