Closed
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 28, 2026
- Closing date : March 25, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $10,000 to support business operations for growing B.C. music businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups. Eligible activities include salaries, operations, marketing, training, equipment, and other business development costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 2,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 28, 2026
- Closing date : March 25, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 100,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business operations and development activities for music businesses
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Budget template
- Client list
- Self-identification forms for all business owners
- Business registration or tax documentation, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses in the music industry
- Sole proprietors
- Registered businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Artists and artist entrepreneurs
- Businesses earning more than $100,000 in annual gross music revenues
- Businesses that have already received more than $30,000 in cumulative Creative BC funding through the listed music programs
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, benefits, and contractor fees
- Rent, utilities, bookkeeping, and subscriptions
- Marketing, training, mentorship, and consulting fees
- Equipment, technology, renovations, and accessibility improvements
- Grant writing fees up to $300 for eligible applicants
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Cash payments, in-kind expenses, and donated services
- Receptions, mixers, networking events, luncheons, award shows, fundraisers, galas, and parties
- Conference fees and general business travel not directly related to the project
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals.
- Projects are assessed against the program priorities and scoring categories.
- Applicants are notified of results by email, about 12 weeks after the deadline.
- Successful applicants sign a funding agreement before payment is released.
- A final report is required before the remaining funds are paid.
Additional information
- Applicants can submit one application per business.
- Successful applicants receive a 75% advance payment.
- All business owners must complete a self-identification form.
- Applications may be submitted by regular post if internet access is limited.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Foundations Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Foundations. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Business Foundations?
This program offers up to $10,000 to support business operations for growing B.C. music businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups. Eligible activities include salaries, operations, marketing, training, equipment, and other business development costs.
How much funding can be received?
Business Foundations Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 25, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Business Foundations program?
To be eligible for the Business Foundations program, you must:
Majority-owned by excluded groups
B.C. music business
Based in British Columbia
What expenses are eligible under Business Foundations?
Business operations and development activities for music businesses
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Foundations?
You can contact Creative BC by email at ndhaliwal@creativebc.com or by phone at 236-455-0945.
Where is the Business Foundations available?
The Business Foundations program is available the province of British Columbia.