Market Expansion Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

Market Expansion Fund Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Market Expansion Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Market Expansion Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Market Expansion Fund?

Market Expansion Fund is funded by Creative BC

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Market Expansion Fund?

You can contact Creative BC by email at clarsen@creativebc.com.

Q: Where is the Market Expansion Fund available?

The Market Expansion Fund program is available the province of BC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Supporting B.C. book publishers attending domestic and international events

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Market Expansion Fund provides B.C. book publishers with financial support of up to $10,000 per fiscal year to promote their publishing list and expand business opportunities at select book fairs, conferences, and events. Eligible activities include attending events for foreign and subsidiary rights sales and developing digital marketing materials or campaigns.

Financing terms and conditions

Up to $10,000 per fiscal year in financial support to approved applications for eligible activities.
Creative BC's financial participation must not exceed the final approved eligible costs.
Eligible companies can receive financial aid for up to six fairs and events with a maximum of two delegates per event.
Domestic events: Maximum Creative BC participation of $1,500, representing 75% of applicant's final cash expenditures up to $2,000.
International events: Maximum Creative BC participation of $2,250, representing 75% of applicant’s final cash expenditures up to $3,000.
Eligible expenses include per diem, accommodation, registration fees, booth costs, books/collateral shipping, return airfare, ground transportation, design and printing of marketing materials, and overhead allowance.
Sustainable travel practices are encouraged, including the use of eco-friendly transportation and carbon offset programs for flights.
Final report submission within 30 business days post-event is mandatory for award retention.
Forfeiture of award occurs if the final report and required materials are not submitted within the specified time after one reminder.

Activities funded

Promotion of publishing lists at book fairs and conferences in foreign and domestic markets.
Expansion of business opportunities through foreign and subsidiary rights sales.
Development of digital marketing materials or campaigns for book promotion.

Eligibility

Active (voting and associate) members of Books BC or publishing companies.
Received funding from the Canada Book Fund, the BC Arts Council Operating Assistance Program for Book Publishers, or BC Arts Council Project Assistance for Book Publishers in the most recently completed fiscal year.
Legally registered as a corporate entity, company, or society in BC or federally incorporated with its head office in BC, for at least one year.
Managed and financially controlled by BC residents who own at least 75% of the company.
The principals, directors, officers, and shareholders of the applicant company must be in good standing with Creative BC.
BC residents must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who have resided in BC for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application and have filed income tax returns in BC in the taxation year prior to the date of application.

Who is eligible?

B.C. book publishers.
Active (voting and associate) members of Books BC.
Publishing companies funded by the Canada Book Fund.
Companies supported by BC Arts Council Operating Assistance Program for Book Publishers.
Entities funded by BC Arts Council Project Assistance for Book Publishers.

Eligible expenses

Per diem - $60 per day in Canada, $80 per day outside Canada.
Accommodation – up to $300 per night.
Registration fees (if applicable).
Booth costs (if applicable).
Books/collateral shipping costs (if applicable).
Return airfare (based on economy fare).
Ground transportation (ride share, rental car, vehicle fuel costs, taxi, shuttle bus, transit costs, etc.).
Design and printing of marketing materials, payable to third parties (e.g., brochures), capped at no more than 20% of the approved direct travel costs.
Overhead allowance, capped at a maximum of 10% of the approved direct travel costs (to cover related long distance, in-house photocopying, courier costs, and administrative expenses).

Eligible geographic areas

Companies with their head office in British Columbia, Canada.

How to apply

Review Eligibility

Ensure your company is an eligible B.C. book publisher, either as a member of Books BC or having received funding from specified programs.
Verify if the company meets ownership and registration requirements.

Gather Required Documents

Obtain documentation regarding your membership or funding agreements.
Prepare a company profile and details of books and publishing lists to present at events.
Collect biographies for delegates attending the events.

Plan Event Attendance

Select up to six eligible domestic and international events or book fairs from the approved list that align with program standards.
Prepare a slate of events with chosen delegates.

Prepare Budget and Application

Complete the budget template outlining anticipated expenses for each event.
Use the Fair and Conference Slate Template to indicate intended events and participation.
Draft a final report template for post-event submission.

Submission of Application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents through the Creative BC online form by the deadline.
Ensure all documents are in the required format and accurate.

Post-Event Reporting

Submit a final report within 30 business days after the last event attended.
Include a narrative account of activities, meetings, and sales outcomes.
Provide supporting receipts and invoices, excluding meal receipts.

Additional information

Successful applicants must submit a final report within 30 business days after their last event, detailing activities, meetings, sales, or rights concluded.
Follow-up surveys may be conducted 6 and 12 months after the conclusion of the events to gather further data on sales or rights activities.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize sustainable travel options, such as eco-friendly transportation and accommodations.
Each event's financial support from Creative BC is subject to limitations based on actual cash expenses supported by receipts.
The overall conduct of participating companies should align with the Creative BC Code of Conduct, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment free from harassment.
If the final report is not submitted within the deadline, the applicant risks forfeiting the grant award.

Contacts

clarsen@creativebc.com

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Market Expansion Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Market Expansion Fund. 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 Market Expansion Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Market Expansion Fund?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Market Expansion Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Market Expansion Fund?

Who is eligible for the Market Expansion Fund program?

To be eligible for the Market Expansion Fund program, you must: Active (voting and associate) members of Books BC or publishing companies who received funding from the Canada Book Fund, the BC Arts Council Operating Assistance Program for Book Publishers, or BC Arts Council Project Assistance for Book Publishers in the most recently completed fiscal year. Legally registered corporate entity, company, or society in BC, or federally incorporated company with its head office in BC, for at least one year, managed and financially controlled by BC residents who own at least 75% of the company. The principals, directors, officers, and shareholders of the applicant company must be in good standing with Creative BC.