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Video Games Business Development Program
BC, Canada
Funding Growth for BC Video Game Companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 30, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 5, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Media Fund (CMF)
- Creative BC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides a clear structure for financial assistance in the form of non-refundable grants to eligible video game companies to foster innovative growth. The financing modalities focus on accountability and proper fund use while ensuring support for innovative projects.
- The funding is a non-repayable grant offered by Creative BC and a non-refundable contribution from the Canada Media Fund (CMF).
- Approved recipients will have a period of 12 months, extendable under certain circumstances, to utilize the granted funds.
- Funds are typically disbursed in two installments, with a requirement to submit an interim report to track progress.
- Grants are governed by specific contracts detailing timelines, deliverables, and payment schedules based on the recipient's expansion plan.
- Recipients are required to publicly acknowledge the financial support from Creative BC and CMF in all public and social media mentions related to the funded project.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant facilitates the growth and success of video game studios in British Columbia by funding activities that enhance business operations and content creation capabilities. The focus is on projects that support ongoing production and capacity building.
- Promotion and marketing strategies to increase visibility and reach.
- User acquisition strategies to expand the gamer base.
- Personnel and workforce development to strengthen the team.
- Investments in technology, content, and design to innovate game offerings.
- Activities pertaining to content deployment or application development, including rights clearance, documentation, design, and development.
- Technical and administrative expenses that support operational efficiency.
- Travel expenses related to business operations, capped at 10% of the total financial allocation.
- Legal, accounting, and consultancy fees that aid business processes.
- Market opening initiatives to enter foreign markets.
- Quality assurance and usability testing sessions to enhance user experience.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company’s location, ownership, and operations.
- The applicant must be a for-profit corporation incorporated in British Columbia or federally, with a head office in British Columbia.
- Companies registered in British Columbia from other provinces are not eligible.
- The applicant must be Canadian-owned and controlled under the Investment Canada Act, particularly meeting sections 26 to 28 requirements.
- Majority of voting shares must be held by residents of British Columbia, defined as Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have lived in the province for at least 200 days out of the 365 preceding the application and have filed a British Columbia tax return for the most recent fiscal year.
- The primary business activity must be creating video games for digital gaming platforms, including computers, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality.
- Eligible games must be owned or optioned by the applicant.
- Applicants and any related parties must be in good standing with Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is designed to evaluate the ability of applicants for funding based on business growth and strategic impact in the video game sector, assessed through a structured evaluation process.
- Experience and overall strategic vision of the company.
- Clarity in detailing the funding request (objectives, needs, expected outcomes) and potential positive impacts on British Columbia's video game industry.
- Stability and financial health of the company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific restrictions excluding certain companies and industries to ensure alignment with its goals. The focus is on supporting video game studios based in British Columbia with particular eligibility criteria.
- Companies not incorporated in British Columbia or federally with headquarters in British Columbia.
- Companies registered in British Columbia but incorporated or headquartered in other provinces.
- Companies whose principal business is not the creation of video games for digital gaming platforms.
- Companies primarily involved in other forms of digital or interactive media, such as websites, mobile applications, interactive projects, and immersive applications that are not deemed as games.
- Companies seeking funding for expenses already covered by another program of Creative BC or the Canada Media Fund.
- Companies intending to use funds for capital projects, such as the acquisition, renovation, or improvement of land and buildings.
- Companies using funds to repay loans or debts, compensate for operating deficits, or buy back equity.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible expenses for the grant must be incurred primarily in British Columbia and align with supporting the growth of video game companies.
- Promotion and marketing activities.
- User acquisition strategies.
- Personnel and labor costs.
- Technology, content, and design-related expenses.
- Expenses related to content launch or creation requests, including rights clearance, documentation, design, and development.
- Technical and administrative expenses.
- Travel costs (accommodation, transport, per diems), capped at 10% of the total allocation.
- Legal, accounting, and other consulting fees.
- Activities aimed at entering foreign markets.
- Testing sessions for quality assurance or usability evaluation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is focused on companies operating within a specific provincial location. Eligible geographical areas are defined to align with regional development strategies.
- Companies incorporated and primarily located in British Columbia, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Experience of the company and overall strategic vision.
- Clarity of the funding request details (objectives, needs, expected outcomes) and likelihood of positive impact on the video game sector in British Columbia.
- Stability and financial health of the company.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Preparations
- Ensure your company meets all eligibility criteria.
- Gather necessary financial statements and document past projects.
- Step 2: Create an Online Account
- Visit the Creative BC website.
- Create an account on their online portal starting August 30, 2024.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Other important details for this grant include:
- The total budget of the program is CAD 1,000,000, with a maximum grant amount of CAD 200,000 per applicant.
- Funding is provided in the form of a non-repayable grant from Creative BC and a non-repayable contribution from the Canada Media Fund (CMF).
- Selected applicants will enter into separate funding agreements with Creative BC and the CMF.
- Successful applicants will need to provide their PERSONA-ID to CMF. If not already obtained, it must be acquired.
- Creative BC and CMF reserve the right to disburse less than the amount requested.
- The program encourages inclusivity in the Canadian video game industry, urging applicants to use the "Inclusive Games" report by CMF as a resource.
- Applicants and their associated entities must be in good standing with Creative BC and CMF.
- Applicants are required to acknowledge Creative BC and CMF public financial support when acknowledging other funding sources.
- No appeal process is provided by Creative BC and CMF under this program.
grant_single_labels|contact
nklassen@creativebc.com
