How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $60000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Music Company?

Music Company is funded by Creative BC

What are Music Company's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be B.C.-based companies serving more than one artist or client. Applicants must be structured as a B.C.-based corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a valid GST number, or a Canadian company with operations in B.C. that files B.C. tax returns. Companies with primary business activities in the music industry or proposing a multimedia, cross-sector, or technology project with direct implications for B.C.’s music industry are eligible.

Music Company

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Invests in B.C. music companies' business development and growth

Music Company at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $2,000 to $60,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Creative BC

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Music Company program

The Music Company program offers up to $60,000 in funding to support the sustainability, growth, and capacity of British Columbia's music companies through business development activities. Eligible activities include marketing initiatives, process improvements, and infrastructure upgrades among others.

Financing terms and conditions

Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $60,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
The program supports projects running from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Public funding from all sources must not exceed 75% of the total project budget.
There is no public funding cap for applications from companies owned by Indigenous Peoples.
Applicants will receive a 75% advance upon signing the funding agreement, with the remaining 25% released after the final report is completed, contingent on eligible final expenditures.

Eligible projects & activities

New job creation and staff growth within music companies.
Improvements to business processes, policies, and procedures.
Expansion of marketing initiatives.
Development of knowledge and skills through training and development.
Capital infrastructure improvements.
Research, development, and testing of new technology, products, or revenue streams.
Implementation of sustainability initiatives and environmentally friendly business practices.
Establishment of new business operations or satellite offices in B.C.

Eligibility criteria of the Music Company program

The applicant must be a B.C.-based corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a valid GST number, filing B.C. tax returns.
Canadian companies with operations in B.C. that file B.C. tax returns are eligible.
B.C. or Canadian not-for-profit organizations with headquarters in B.C. can apply.
Applicants must have primary business activities in the music industry, such as record labels, music publishers, artist managers, booking agencies, recording studios, etc.
Companies from related sectors proposing a multimedia, cross-sector, or technology project impacting B.C.'s music industry are eligible.
Start-ups and new companies must register their business upon successfully receiving a grant.
Non-music companies may apply for music-related projects benefiting B.C.'s music industry, requiring letters of support from the music industry.
Applicants from systemically excluded groups (Indigenous Peoples, Black, People of Colour, Disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+) are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must not primarily exist to benefit one artist or client or to present live music.
Previous recipients must have submitted all final reports for past funding by the application deadline and be in good standing with Creative BC.

Who is eligible?

Record labels.
Music publishers.
Artist managers.
Booking agencies.
Recording studios.
Companies proposing multimedia, cross-sector, or technology projects with direct implications for B.C.'s music industry.

Who is not eligible

Companies that primarily exist to benefit one artist or client. Artists are not eligible for this program and should apply for funding through the Career Development program.
Companies that primarily exist to present live music, which should apply for funding through the Live Music program.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits for new or expanded company staff positions, including paid internships and apprenticeships, with a plan for how the positions will be sustained after the grant.
Training, courses, and consultants to grow knowledge, build processes, and develop skills for employees in a specific area.
Training, planning, and policy development related to communicable disease plans, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, respectful workplace, accessibility, equity and inclusion.
Marketing and advertising campaigns.
Green initiatives such as eco-friendly power sources, energy-efficient renovations and products, reduction of physical waste or emissions, and other expenses related to creating a more sustainable business.
Equipment purchases and upgrades for software, hardware, gear, technology, accessibility.
Construction, building materials, and any other costs related to renovations or infrastructure improvements.
GST for applicants who do not have GST accounts.
Existing resources directly related to the project to support a portion of the project.

Eligible geographic areas

Province of British Columbia, Canada
Regions within British Columbia including Cariboo, Kootenay, Nechako, North Coast, Northeast, Thompson/Okanagan, and Vancouver Island and Coast (excluding the Capital Regional District/City of Victoria)

Eligibility criteria of the Music Company program

Idea, Strategy & Approach
Company Capacity
Economic Impact
Investment in B.C. Talent
Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion
Innovation

How to apply to the Music Company program

Prepare Application Materials

Gather necessary documents such as your company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Business Statement of Registration, or Society Certificate, and GST number.
Complete the budget using the provided template, including all sources of financing and their confirmation status.
Prepare a schedule of activities using the template's second tab.
If applying for $20,000 or more, prepare externally-prepared financial statements for the previous fiscal year, or internally-prepared statements if under a year old.
Optional: Compile letters of support, vendor quotes, job descriptions, proposals for research, or policies related to equity and accessibility.

Complete Online Application Form

Visit the Creative BC website to access the online application form.
Fill out the application form, ensuring all required sections are completed accurately.

Self-Identification Form Completion

Ensure all key personnel and business owners complete the self-identification form, which will be emailed upon submission of the application.
Complete the form by the specified date of April 3, 2024.

Submit Application

Ensure all documents and forms are complete and accurate.
Submit the application online by the deadline of March 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT.

Await Confirmation

After submission, check your email for confirmation of receipt from Creative BC.
Keep the confirmation for your records.

Additional information

The final payment for funding is contingent upon the completion and approval of the final report by the recipient.
Creative BC may conduct adjustments in the selection process to ensure diverse representation across different regions and applicant types within the B.C. music industry.
The program emphasizes priorities like justice, equity, decolonization, diversity, and inclusion in its project evaluation and delivery.
Creative BC encourages all applicants to adopt environmentally sustainable practices within their project plans.
Creative BC expects all associated with the Music Company program to adhere to a respectful workplace culture, as per the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct.
Creative BC offers grant coaching and info sessions to help support applicants in preparing their applications.