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Source verified August 4, 2026
Enterprise Fund
Business development support for Ontario publishers and screen companies
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
August 27, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Individual for-profit companies that received financial support from Ontario Creates’ publishing and screen programs within the past 5 years
See full eligibility
Overview
Enterprise Fund provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 75% of the approved budget to Ontario-based for-profit companies and partnerships in Ontario’s publishing and screen sectors to drive business growth and global competitiveness. Eligible projects include revenue diversification, R&D of new IP, and strategic efficiencies using AI tools or logistics infrastructure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Revenue diversification activities, including R&D of new IP, brands, or verticals and initiatives to monetize back catalogues
- Strategic business efficiencies, including incorporating AI tools into business operations and collective logistics and distribution infrastructure projects
Documents Needed
- Financial statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years
- Applicant Affidavit
- Enterprise Fund - Budget Template
- Enterprise Fund – Timeline and Action Plan
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individual for-profit companies that received financial support from Ontario Creates’ publishing and screen programs within the past 5 years
- Partnerships between more than one incorporated business, where the lead applicant is a for-profit company that received financial support from Ontario Creates’ publishing and screen programs within the past 5 years
- Non-profit entities that are incorporated businesses may be part of a partnership application
Who is not eligible
- Non-profit entities that are not incorporated businesses, such as trade associations
Eligible expenses
- Administrative expenses
- Capital expenses
- Labour costs directly related to the execution of the activity
- Other expenses relevant and necessary for the completion of the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects or activities already receiving or that have received support through another Ontario Creates program, or eligible to receive support through another Ontario Creates program
- Routine activities and related expenses considered a normal part of the applicant’s business
- Projects or activities that do not relate to the applicant’s primary core business and/or an Ontario Creates-supported creative industry sector
- Buying or renting real estate to create a separate revenue stream, developing and monetizing new technology, platforms or services not related to the applicant’s core business, or creating a new vertical and separate business within the company such as an internal literary agency or talent agency
- Costs incurred before the application was submitted, ongoing operational costs, salaries and wages of staff not directly tied to the project, staff benefit costs, and hospitality expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- a Canadian jurisdiction
Selection criteria
- Relevance and Innovation (30%): relevance to the applicant(s), demonstrated need or business challenge, potential for significant revenue growth and access to new markets, innovative nature, and integration of technology or systems
- Track Record (20%): experience with similar projects, team capacity and expertise, diversity among senior leadership, staff and contract employees, and evidence of diversity, equity and inclusion policies or initiatives
- Feasibility and Risks (20%): clarity of activities and deliverables, accuracy of budget and financing contributions, project planning and timelines, risk mitigation, supporting research, and consultation or collaboration with equity-deserving communities
- Expected Outcomes and Economic Benefit (30%): revenue growth margins, economic stability, business improvements and cost savings, access to new markets, long-term benefits, return on Ontario Creates’ investment, job creation or retention, spend in Ontario, and overall success of the project
How to apply
- Submit the application electronically through the Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/
- If you do not have a user account, register and have your company’s corporate information registered with the OAP before starting
- Click Start New Application and follow the onscreen directions to access the application form
- Submit all required documents through the OAP by 5:00 pm ET on the applicable deadline
- Applications submitted by any other method will not be accepted
- Do not expect to add or replace documentation after the deadline
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness before any further evaluation
- Incomplete or ineligible applications are not further evaluated
- Eligible applications with all required documents are reviewed and assessed by a jury of industry professionals and/or Ontario Creates
- Successful applicants must sign a standard Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement before receiving funding
- Successful applicants must provide written interim reports and a final report with all deliverables outlined in the agreement
Additional information
- Applicants using AI technology must disclose and outline its use in the application and ensure all underlying rights are secured.
- Ontario Creates reserves the right to revise Guidelines and Application Forms.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Enterprise Fund Program
What is the Enterprise Fund?
Enterprise Fund provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 75% of the approved budget to Ontario-based for-profit companies and partnerships in Ontario’s publishing and screen sectors to drive business growth and global competitiveness. Eligible projects include revenue diversification, R&D of new IP, and strategic efficiencies using AI tools or logistics infrastructure.
How much funding can be received?
Enterprise Fund Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Enterprise Fund program?
To be eligible for the Enterprise Fund program, you must:
The applicant must be Canadian-owned and controlled.
The applicant must be incorporated in a Canadian jurisdiction and Ontario-based.
The project must relate to the applicant’s core business and be innovative.
What expenses are eligible under Enterprise Fund?
Revenue diversification activities, including R&D of new IP, brands, or verticals and initiatives to monetize back catalogues
Strategic business efficiencies, including incorporating AI tools into business operations and collective logistics and distribution infrastructure projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Enterprise Fund?
You can contact Kingston Arts Council (KAC) by email at programs2@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-642-6627.
Where is the Enterprise Fund available?
The Enterprise Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Enterprise Fund?
Enterprise Fund is funded by Kingston Arts Council (KAC)