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Global Market Development — IDM Fund

Supports international market development for interactive media companies

Offered by
Ontario Creates
Official source: ontariocreates.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 15,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Established interactive digital media content creation companies.
See full eligibility

Overview

Ontario Creates’ Global Market Development Fund supports eligible Ontario interactive digital media companies pursuing international market development. It funds activities such as targeted sales trips, attendance at international market events, and trade missions linked to proprietary interactive digital media projects.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$15,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Access new markets
  • Reach a new target audience

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

International Market Development deadline and application links updated

The program now shows a new deadline of April 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET, with updated application documents and portal/contact links.

See more

The International Market Development program now shows a new deadline of April 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET, replacing the earlier April 28, 2025 deadline shown previously. The funding terms remain 50% of eligible costs up to $15,000, but the supporting materials and application links have been refreshed, including the guide PDF, pre-approved activities list, activity calculator, and online portal link. The contact and information details also changed, including the information session dated April 2, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET and the program contact email now shown as programs@ontariocreates.ca.

Official source: ontariocreates.ca
June 28, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Established interactive digital media content creation companies.
  • New interactive digital media content creation companies.

Who is not eligible

  • A company that is working exclusively on client-driven or fee-for-service projects.
  • A company that is primarily engaged in marketing, design and branding service work for clients.
  • Private colleges and training institutions.
  • A company that is delivering online services for individuals.
  • A company that holds a broadcast license or that has an ownership association with a company that holds a broadcast license.

Eligible expenses

  • Event registration fees and booth or exhibitor costs
  • Round-trip travel costs based on Ontario Creates regional benchmarks
  • Accommodation costs for in-person events, within the program caps
  • Per diems for in-person events, within the daily cap
  • Activity-specific marketing materials, including design, production and shipping

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Applications and documentation received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • A company that is working exclusively on client-driven or fee-for-service projects.
  • A company that is primarily engaged in marketing, design and branding service work for clients.
  • Private colleges and training institutions.
  • A company that is delivering online services for individuals.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Virtual and in-person participation in international markets and events.
  • Planned sales trips or media tours to key territories to meet with identified leads.
  • Participation in trade missions organized by industry associations and government agencies.
  • Pre-approved GMD activities and additional activities not included on the pre-approved list, where Ontario Creates permission is required in advance.

How to apply

  • Applications must be submitted via the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP).
  • Prior to starting an application, the company’s corporate information must be registered with the OAP.
  • To start an application, select “Start New Application” and follow the directions to access the application form.
  • If there are problems setting up the company’s corporate information, email applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca for assistance.

Documents Needed

  • Global Market Development Guidelines
  • Ontario Creates Program Policies
  • Application Form/Online Application Portal
  • Pre-Approved Activities
  • GMD Activity Calculator

Selection criteria

  • Ontario Creates applies a diversity and gender parity lens to the evaluation criteria for this program, and directs jury members to do the same.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications must be submitted through the Online Application Portal.
  • Decisions will be communicated to applicants within fourteen weeks of the deadline.
  • Successful recipients do not need to notify Ontario Creates regarding changes for pre-approved activities.
  • All other changes, to a maximum of three, require notification and permission from Ontario Creates through the OAP prior to the change.

Additional information

  • Only one application per company or associated company is accepted per fiscal year
  • Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session, but this does not replace reading the program guidelines
  • New companies and first-time applicants should contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks before the deadline to confirm eligibility
  • Ontario Creates applies a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to the program

Contacts

idmfund@ontariocreates.ca
416-642-6697

Official sources

Global Market Development Fund for the Interactive Industry

Program guide

2026-27 Global Market Development FUNDCALL FOR APPLICATIONS - IDM Trade Mission to BerlinGlobal Market Development Fund for the Interactive Industry

Application form

Schedules to the Agreement. The following schedules form part of the Agreement

Supporting document

Applicant AffidavitGlobal Market DevelopmentGMD Activity CalculatorGMD Activity Calculator

Other relevant PDF

affidavit for final cost reportAffidavit for Final Cost Report
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Market Development — IDM Fund Program

What is the Global Market Development — IDM Fund?

Ontario Creates’ Global Market Development Fund supports eligible Ontario interactive digital media companies pursuing international market development. It funds activities such as targeted sales trips, attendance at international market events, and trade missions linked to proprietary interactive digital media projects.

How much funding can be received?

Global Market Development — IDM Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Global Market Development — IDM Fund program?

To be eligible for the Global Market Development — IDM Fund program, you must: Applications will be accepted from established and new interactive digital media content creation companies. The company must be Canadian-owned and controlled. The company must be Ontario-based and for-profit.

What expenses are eligible under Global Market Development — IDM Fund?

Event registration fees and booth or exhibitor costs Round-trip travel costs based on Ontario Creates regional benchmarks Accommodation costs for in-person events, within the program caps Per diems for in-person events, within the daily cap Activity-specific marketing materials, including design, production and shipping

Who can I contact for more information about the Global Market Development — IDM Fund?

You can contact Ontario Creates by email at idmfund@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-642-6697.

Where is the Global Market Development — IDM Fund available?

The Global Market Development — IDM Fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Global Market Development — IDM Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Global Market Development — IDM Fund is a Grant and Funding