Closed
Source verified August 12, 2026
Video Games Business Development Program
Supports B.C. game studio growth
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: April 27, 2026Latest change: The program now shows the 2025/26 guidelines, new application details, and an updated deadline of October 1, 2025.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Latest change: The program now shows the 2025/26 guidelines, new application details, and an updated deadline of October 1, 2025.
Video Games Business Development Program Updated
The Video Games Business Development Program now reflects the 2025/26 guidelines and a new application window, with opening on August 26, 2025 and closing on October 1, 2025. The application instructions were expanded with clearer document requirements and process details, and the eligibility section now includes more specific conditions around owned-and-controlled content and other qualifying rules for applicants and projects.
Funding available
$ 200,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply
For-profit companies incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with a head office in British Columbia
See full eligibility
Overview
The Video Games Business Development Program supports B.C.-based video game companies through Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund. It focuses on business-focused plans for ongoing content production, capacity building, creative IP development, and growth beyond project-by-project funding.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business-focused plans for ongoing content production and capacity building
- Developing their own creative IP
- Growth beyond project-by-project funding
Documents Needed
- Business Development Plan
- Company information, including shareholders’ and directors’ previous game titles
- List of previous work meeting eligibility requirements
- Basic information on current projects in the company slate
- Key team member information and proposed budget
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit companies incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with a head office in British Columbia
- Mid-level and experienced video game companies
- New company startups with one or more owners who previously held ownership positions at mid-level or experienced video game companies
Who is not eligible
- Companies extra-provincially registered in B.C.
- Companies whose primary business has been other forms of interactive or digital media such as websites, mobile applications, interactive/immersive projects, and software applications that are not readily and easily identifiable as games
- Successful recipients of the previous 2024 round
Eligible expenses
- Promotion and marketing; user acquisition strategies
- Labour and personnel; technology, content and design; technical and administrative expenses
- Expenses required to put content online or to create applications, including copyright clearance, documentation, design and development
- Travel costs, including accommodation, airfare, and per diem, to a maximum of 10% of the total allocation
- Legal, accounting, or other consulting fees; activities to open foreign markets; playtesting for QA and usability
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Any expenses, activity or phase of work that are already directly supported by another CMF or Creative BC program
- Capital projects such as the purchase, renovation or improvement of land and buildings
- Working capital replenishment, repayment of loans or debt, operating deficits, capital losses and capital buybacks
- Any expenses related to the production of content that is not 100% owned and controlled/optioned by the applicant for a minimum of 12 months
- Any expenses related to the production of content identified as ineligible in section 3.2.2.2 of the CMF Interactive Digital Media Content Programs Core Guidelines
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Company track record and overall strategic vision
- Clarity of Funding Request details, including objectives, needs, and expected outcomes, and potential for positive impact on the video game sector in B.C.
- Stability and financial health of the company
How to apply
- Review the Guidelines for full details
- Complete your application on the external page
- Submit through the Creative BC portal when submissions open on August 26, 2025
- Apply by October 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM PDT
Processing and Agreement
- An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by Creative BC staff
- If documentation is missing, applicants will be informed and given a short period, maximum five days, to submit outstanding materials
- Incomplete or ineligible applications will be withdrawn with notification
- The competitive review will involve Creative BC and CMF staff as well as an advisory panel comprised of external industry professionals
- All decisions will be confirmed via email, and when an application is unsuccessful, a brief explanation can be provided upon request
Additional information
- Successful recipients are required to publicly acknowledge the financial support of Creative BC and the CMF wherever other financiers are acknowledged.
- Projects are also encouraged to acknowledge support on social media where possible.
- Creative BC and the CMF do not offer any form of appeal process for this program.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Video Games Business Development Program Program
What is the Video Games Business Development Program?
The Video Games Business Development Program supports B.C.-based video game companies through Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund. It focuses on business-focused plans for ongoing content production, capacity building, creative IP development, and growth beyond project-by-project funding.
How much funding can be received?
Video Games Business Development Program Funds up to $200,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Video Games Business Development Program program?
To be eligible for the Video Games Business Development Program program, you must:
For-profit company incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with its head office in British Columbia
Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled
Primary business is the creation of video games for digital game platforms
What expenses are eligible under Video Games Business Development Program?
Business-focused plans for ongoing content production and capacity building
Developing their own creative IP
Growth beyond project-by-project funding
Who can I contact for more information about the Video Games Business Development Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF) by email at nklassen@creativebc.com.
Where is the Video Games Business Development Program available?
The Video Games Business Development Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Video Games Business Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Video Games Business Development Program is a Grant and Funding