CMF — Digital Creators Pilot Program

• Completed Dialogue application form with PERSONA-ID number entered for the members of the project’s key personnel
• Brief profile of current online presence
• Current platforms and audience engagement numbers
• High level content overview document, including posting schedule
• Audience engagement / Business growth strategy plan

Who is eligible?

• For-profit Canadian corporations
• Individuals, groups of individuals, or sole proprietorships that have not yet incorporated
• Mid-career Canadian digital content creators
• Mid-career Canadian podcast creators, starting in 2026-2027

Who is not eligible

• Recipients of DCPP funding in the 2025-2026 fiscal year
• Companies whose primary focus is the production of traditional linear film, streaming, or television content

Eligible expenses

• Eligible expenses include incorporation, staff or contract roles, marketing and branding, audience specialists, legal and accounting services, software, promotion, equipment (maximum 20%), long-term studio rental, sustainability initiatives, and business travel (maximum 15%).

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Individual creation or production of content
• Business activities that are for the benefit of branded, commissioned or sponsored content
• Core business operations or capital expenditures, such as the purchase of real estate

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada

• Viability and likelihood of delivering on the proposed business plan and reaching stated goals
• Potential to contribute to a thriving and resilient creator or podcast economy in Canada
• Track record and experience of the key participants in the proposal
• Creative strength and distinctiveness of creators’ content and channels

• Create a Dialogue account if you are a new client.
• Submit the application in Dialogue with the required documents.
• Enter the PERSONA-ID number for the members of the project’s key personnel.

• Applications are first reviewed for eligibility by the CMFPA.
• Eligible applications undergo a selective review process based on the evaluation grid.
• The selective process includes input from an external independent jury and the CMF Program Administrator team.
• Successful applicants receive a positive recommendation letter with contracting requirements.
• Recipients receive funding in two drawdowns: 80% on signature and 20% on acceptance of the final report and cost report.
• Recipients must submit a final report and cost report at the end of the 12-month contract period, followed by interim updates for 2 years.

Applications are accepted from September 15 to October 1, 2026.