Creative Export Canada — Export-Ready Stream
QC, 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 01, 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|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Funding for projects that generate export revenues and help creative industries increase export profitability around the world.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Creative Export Canada program's Export-Ready Stream offers funding opportunities for projects designed to enhance the international market reach of Canadian creative industries. These eligible projects should be poised to export content that aligns with specific creative sectors and are expected to generate new export revenues while building strategic international partnerships.
- Projects that are export-ready and have fully developed export plans.
- Projects that hold or have secured usage rights for the intellectual property in targeted international markets.
- Initiatives expected to generate new export revenues.
- Projects involving export of creative content in artistic craft, audiovisual, music, performing arts, publishing, visual arts, and interactive digital media combined with other eligible industries.
- Projects with a minimum total cost of $150,000 and at least 25% funding from private sources.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
$25,000
Creating promotional materials for a Canadian indie music band touring Europe
$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 applicable to companies and organizations incorporated under Canadian laws. The program supports those which are primarily based in Canada or incorporated in any of the provinces or territories of Canada.
- Corporations incorporated under federal laws of Canada.
- Organizations incorporated under the laws of any Canadian province.
- Entities incorporated under the laws of Canadian territories.
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
Apply to this program
Creative Export Canada: Fueling International Growth in Creative Industries
The Creative Export Canada program’s Export-Ready Stream offers essential support to Canadian businesses and organizations aiming to expand their reach and profitability in global markets. This initiative is crafted to bolster the presence of Canada's creative industries on the world stage by funding projects that are ready to generate new export revenues.
Deep Dive into the Creative Export Canada Program & Its Export-Ready Stream
Creative Export Canada serves as a pivotal funding source for Canadian creative businesses with aspirations of international expansion. The program is structured to assist projects that are poised to make substantial inroads into foreign markets, specifically those that are export-ready at the project's inception. By focusing on projects capable of generating export revenues and supporting the wider goal of enhancing Canada's creative industry's profitability, the Export-Ready Stream offers a distinct competitive advantage to its participants.
Applicants targeting this stream must meticulously ensure compliance with eligibility requirements: Canadian ownership, credible corporate governance, and holding or securing usage rights for any intellectual property involved. The initiative does not support start-up expenses but instead focuses on aiding projects with ready-to-market content, ensuring that cultural creations crafted locally can capture international interest effectively. This approach ensures that applicants are not only set for local success but can also scale to meet demand on a larger, more diverse stage.
To qualify for this stream, projects must originate from specific creative sectors such as music, audiovisual arts, fashion design, visual arts, and others. Critical to funding approval is a detailed export plan that clearly outlines the anticipated revenue growth from international markets. This requirement emphasizes the strategic importance of preparation in understanding and penetrating new markets. The $2.5 million cap per application ensures substantial funding is available for serious contenders aiming to achieve significant market penetration.
An emphasis is placed on projects aiding underrepresented communities, encouraging a diversity of voices in the global marketplace. A portion of the funding is earmarked for organizations with diverse leadership, demonstrating a commitment to equity and enhancing Canada's cultural mosaic. The robust evaluation criteria do not just demand fiscal responsibility and innovation, but also require applicants to illustrate alignment with broader social issues such as anti-racism, workplace well-being, and environmental sustainability, ensuring recipients are not only economically potent but socially responsible.
Participants in this program benefit not only from financial backing but also from the prestige and networking opportunities that come with government-endorsed projects. This kind of support fosters confidence in international partners, investors, and stakeholders, paving the way for sustainable boons in both economics and influence.
Overall, the Creative Export Canada program represents a formidable tool in the Canadian creative industry's arsenal for international growth. By supporting export-ready projects, it ensures that cultural and creative works that are representative of Canada's diverse society can thrive globally, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a hub of innovative and pioneering content creation.
