Creative Export Canada — Export-Ready Stream
Canada
Funding for Canadian creative industry exports
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 1, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMay 29, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Heritage
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Funding for projects that generate export revenues and help creative industries increase export profitability around the world.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Creative Export Canada – Export-Ready Stream provides conditional contributions aimed at supporting projects in the Canadian creative industries to enhance export revenue streams. These contributions are provided under strict terms to ensure compliance and fulfillment of project objectives.
- Funding is provided as a contribution, which is a conditional payment issued for a specific purpose outlined in a funding agreement.
- The maximum contribution from this program can be up to $2.5 million per application.
- The total government assistance, including all levels of government support, must not exceed 75% of the eligible project costs.
- Projects must secure at least 25% of their funding from private sources.
- Recipients are required to submit interim reports and, if they receive $250,000 or more, audited financial reports or statements of project costs.
- At the project’s conclusion, a final report must be submitted, detailing the project's results.
- Failure to adhere to the reporting and documentation requirements could affect eligibility for future funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
The eligible projects for this grant focus on enhancing export readiness and generating new export revenues in Canada's creative industries. These initiatives are designed to expand the international reach of Canadian creative content.
- Projects that are ready to export and have a fully developed export plan.
- Initiatives that will generate new export revenues for content in eligible creative industries.
- Proposals must have a minimum total cost of $150,000 and secure at least 25% funding from private sources.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 25,000
Creating promotional materials for a Canadian indie music band touring Europe
$ 40,000
Translation and adaptation of a Canadian children's book series for the Japanese market
$ 70,000
Localization of digital educational games for the French-speaking market in West Africa
$ 123,000
Developing an interactive educational app tailored for German-speaking markets
$ 45,000
Market analysis and strategy development for exporting organic skincare products to South Korea
$ 40,000
Participation in international trade shows to promote Canadian animation content in Southeast Asia
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Export-Ready Stream of the Creative Export Canada program, a company or organization must meet specific criteria.
- Be incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province, or a territory. Companies or organizations registered on First Nations reserve lands may submit proof of registration.
- Be a for-profit company or not-for-profit organization.
- Be Canadian-owned and -controlled.
- Have a maximum of $500M in annual revenues.
- Have a minimum of one full-time employee who receives a salary and works a minimum of 30 hours a week.
- Own the intellectual property rights for content or have the rights of usage for the markets targeted by the project if involving third-party intellectual property.
- Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company must also comply with these criteria if applying as a distinct entity.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for the Export-Ready Stream of the Creative Export Canada program, applicants must be incorporated in Canada, either federally, provincially, or territorially. Exceptions are made for organizations registered on First Nations reserve lands, which can submit proof of registration instead. Applicants must be Canadian-owned and -controlled for-profit companies or not-for-profit organizations with annual revenues not exceeding $500 million. Each organization must employ at least one full-time employee (working a minimum of 30 hours a week) and own the intellectual property rights for the content they wish to export, or have secured rights to use third-party content in the target markets. Reserved funding is available for entities where at least half of the ownership or board membership self-identifies as Indigenous or part of equity-deserving communities, provided they submit relevant self-identification forms. Ineligible applicants include individuals, entities with revenues above $500 million, marketing and PR agencies, and those that have received funding for three years within the last five years under the same program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Creative Export Canada's Export-Ready Stream has outlined specific exclusions related to certain entities that cannot apply for funding under the program. These restrictions are designed to prioritize support for eligible sectors and to ensure strategic allocation of resources.
- Individuals.
- Other financial support programs or funds, whether public or private.
- Public relations agencies or marketing agencies.
- Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with annual revenues exceeding $500 million.
- Recipients who have already received Creative Export Canada funding for three or more years within the last five years.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Only project-related cash expenses are eligible for funding under this grant.
- Development costs and/or acquisition of digital or other technologies.
- Professional services or the portion of employees' salaries directly related to the project.
- Travel-related expenses that must be directly related to the project and must not exceed the rates permitted for travel on government business, in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive.
- Marketing expenses.
- Project-related administrative costs, limited to a maximum of 15% of the total amount of funding requested from the ERS, including general office supplies, mailing, and cloud storage costs.
- Project-related translation and interpretation expenses, limited to a maximum of 10% of the total amount of funding requested from the ERS.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located throughout Canada. Businesses must be incorporated under Canadian federal or provincial/territorial laws to qualify for this opportunity.
- All provinces and territories of Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that assess their potential success, impact, and contribution to Canadian creative industries.
- The project’s viability and potential to generate export revenue.
- The project’s ability to generate a return on the program’s contribution.
- Impact on Canadian creative industries.
- The project’s growth potential, including the capacity to expand or be replicated in other international markets.
- Innovation involved in the project.
- Strategic collaborations and partnerships that strengthen the project.
- The applicant’s demonstrated need for funding.
- The level of commitment to empower and/or promote the creative works of Indigenous peoples and/or members of equity-deserving communities.
- The support for environmental sustainability practices.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines
- Read the Application Guidelines in their entirety.
- Ensure that the company and project meet all eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Package
- Complete the Application Form, ensuring it is signed and dated.
- Prepare a detailed project budget.
- Develop an export plan following the outlined requirements, limited to 50 pages.
- Gather incorporation documents or, for those not incorporated, prepare proof of registration.
- Collect most recent financial statements for the two previous fiscal years.
- Obtain written confirmation of other sources of funding and/or partnerships, if applicable.
- Step 3: Submit Application Package
- Attach all required supporting documents listed in Part F of the Application Form.
- Email the complete package to creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca.
- Ensure submission is no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the deadline date.
- Step 4: Confirmation and Assistance
- Check for an acknowledgment email within two weeks of submission.
- Contact the program if the acknowledgment email is not received.
- Write to the provided email for assistance with opening the PDF form, if needed.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A percentage of the funding is reserved for applicants from Indigenous or equity-deserving communities who self-identify through the voluntary self-identification questionnaire.
- You may request funding for a project lasting up to 24 months, provided it does not extend beyond March 31, 2026.
- Your application must include an export plan limited to 50 pages that outlines financial, operational, and marketing strategies.
- If you receive $250,000 or more, it is mandatory to submit an audited financial report or audited financial statements.
- Applicants are required to publicly acknowledge the financial support from the Government of Canada in English and French in all communications materials and promotional activities.
- Organizations are expected to uphold and demonstrate anti-racism and anti-hate commitments, as well as promote workplace well-being.
- Official language requirements must be adhered to, enhancing the use of both English and French in your communications.
- Funds will not be provided as loans but as contributions detailed in a funding agreement, requiring a final report submission at the end of the project.
- There is a limit of one application per entity or subsidiary of a parent company per deadline.
grant_single_labels|contact
creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca
819-997-0055
