How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 200000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Video Games Business Development Program?

Video Games Business Development Program is funded by Canada Media Fund (CMF), Creative BC

What are Video Games Business Development Program's eligibility criterias?

For-profit company incorporated in British Columbia or federally with headquarters in British Columbia Majority voting shares owned by residents of British Columbia Main business activity must be the creation of video games for digital platforms

Video Games Business Development Program

Last Update: July 30, 2025

BC, Canada

Funding Growth for BC Video Game Companies

Video Games Business Development Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000

Timeline

Open Date : August 30, 2024
Closing date : November 5, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Funds Providers

Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Creative BC

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Video Games Business Development Program program

The 2024-2025 Video Game Companies Growth Support Program, a partnership between Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund, offers non-repayable funding of up to $200,000 to assist BC-based video game companies in developing their creative intellectual properties and expanding their business operations. Eligible activities include promotion, marketing, technology and design advancements, personnel costs, and market expansion efforts.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial assistance per application: $200,000 (non-repayable).
Total program budget: $1,000,000.
At least 75% of eligible expenses must be incurred in British Columbia.
Travel expenses are eligible up to a limit of 10% of the total allocated funding per project.
Funds must be used within 12 months from receipt, unless an extension is granted.

Eligible projects & activities

Business expansion initiatives for established video game studios focused on growth and enhanced capacity.
Development and implementation of strategies for the ongoing production of original video game content.
Projects to strengthen internal operations, including talent development and diversity initiatives within the company.
Market development activities aimed at reaching new audiences and expanding into foreign markets.

Eligibility criteria of the Video Games Business Development Program program

The applicant must be a for-profit corporation incorporated in British Columbia or federally, with its head office located in British Columbia (companies from other provinces registered in BC are not eligible).
The company must be Canadian-owned and controlled, with a majority of voting shares held by BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents having lived in BC for at least 200 days within the last 365 days and who filed a BC tax return for the most recent fiscal year.
The main business activity must be the creation of video games for digital platforms (such as computers, mobile devices, consoles, or virtual reality), with the majority of products being content owned and controlled or optioned by the applicant.
The applicant and all related parties must be in good standing with Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund (CMF).
The applicant must demonstrate intermediate or advanced experience in video game production, or in the case of a new start-up, at least one owner must have such experience per specified criteria.

Who is eligible?

Companies whose primary business activity is the creation and development of video games for digital platforms, including computers, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality.
For-profit corporations incorporated in British Columbia or federally with headquarters in British Columbia.

Who is not eligible

Companies whose primary business activity is not the development of video games for digital platforms (such as those mainly creating websites, mobile apps, interactive or immersive projects, or software applications not clearly considered video games).
Companies registered in other provinces, even if they are also registered in British Columbia.
Companies that do not have Canadian ownership and control as defined under the Investment Canada Act.
Companies whose projects or activities have already received direct funding from other programs administered by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) or Creative BC.
Companies intending to use funds for ineligible expenses, such as capital projects (acquisition or renovation of lands and buildings), debt repayment, working capital replenishment, or operating loss compensation.

Eligible expenses

Promotion and marketing activities.
User acquisition strategies.
Personnel and labour costs.
Technology, content, and design-related expenses.
Expenses associated with publishing content online or developing applications, including rights clearance, documentation, design, and development.
Technical and administrative expenses.
Travel costs (accommodation, transportation, per diems), up to 10% of the total allocation.
Legal, accounting, and other professional consulting fees.
Activities aimed at opening foreign markets.
Quality assurance and usability testing sessions.

Eligible geographic areas

British Columbia, Canada

Eligibility criteria of the Video Games Business Development Program program

Experience of the company and overall strategic vision.
Clarity of the funding request, including objectives, needs, and anticipated outcomes, as well as the likelihood of positive impact on the video game sector in British Columbia.
Stability and financial health of the company.

How to apply to the Video Games Business Development Program program

Preliminary Preparations

Ensure your company meets all eligibility criteria.
Gather necessary financial statements and document past projects.

Create an Online Account

Visit the Creative BC website.
Create an account on their online portal starting August 30, 2024.

Prepare Your Application

Develop a comprehensive business expansion plan (maximum of four pages).
Include detailed information about your company, previous titles, and current projects.
List the principal team members and their roles.
Outline your proposed budget for funded activities.

Submit the Application

Log into the Creative BC portal to upload your application after August 30, 2024.
Ensure all sections are complete and submit by the deadline: November 4, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

Post-Submission

Await confirmation via email regarding the receipt of your application.
Address any requests for additional information if contacted by Creative BC within five days.

Additional information

The application portal opens on August 30, 2024, and closes on November 4, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
Applicants must reference the "Des jeux inclusifs" report to enhance inclusion in their business practices.
All applicants and recipients must adhere to Creative BC’s Code of Conduct and maintain a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Grant recipients are required to publicly acknowledge Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund in their communications about project funding.