Global Market Development — IDM Fund
ON, Canada
Funding for global growth of Ontario digital media companies
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- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 18, 2024
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Creates
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grant_card_status|open
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Get up to $15,000 to cover 50% of the costs of participating in international activities that support your company's growth. These include targeted sales trips and attendance at international market events.
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Eligible projects and activities for this grant include participating in international markets and events, as well as planned sales trips or media tours to key territories to meet with identified leads.
- Virtual and in-person participation in international markets and events
- Planned sales trips to key territories
- Media tours to key territories
- Participation in trade missions organized by industry associations and government agencies
- Pre-approved GMD activities
- Additional activities not included on the pre-approved list (with Ontario Creates permission)
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$4,950
Ottawa
Attend the International Book Fair in Frankfurt to find new publishing opportunities for Canadian authors
$8,000
Vancouver
Attend the World Economic Forum to network with global leaders in the financial industry
$5,550
Calgary
Participate in a trade mission to China organized by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association
$6,300
Toronto
Attend CES 2024 in Las Vegas to showcase new fintech solutions and meet potential clients
$6,250
Montreal
Attend the Tokyo Game Show to showcase video game updates and meet international distributors
$5,550
Edmonton
Attend Eco Summit 2024 in Amsterdam to present sustainable building solutions and meet potential partners
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This grant is aimed at established and new interactive digital media content creation companies based in Ontario, Canada, whose projects align with specified criteria.
- Established companies must have at least 25% of their revenue or 50% of their expenditures over the past two years from screen-based content projects.
- New companies must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum of three years of experience in creating professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms.
- Companies must be Ontario-based and Canadian-owned.
- Companies must be incorporated in Ontario or federally, or prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful.
- Companies must not be working exclusively on client-driven or fee-for-service projects.
- Ineligible entities include private colleges, training institutions, and companies delivering online services for individuals.
- At least one participating representative at each activity must be a decision maker at the executive level within the applicant company.
- Company representatives must be full-time employees or owners, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and Ontario residents.
- Activities must take place outside of Ontario and focus on international audience and business development opportunities.
- Eligible interactive content projects include video games, mobile content, e-learning content, XR experiences, and web series.
- Projects must include the creation or development of unique, creative, and professional content by the applicant company and be intended for commercial exploitation.
- Projects primarily intended to sell products/services, promote corporate agendas, or for interpersonal communication are ineligible.
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Eligible companies for the IDM Fund: Global Market Development program include established and new interactive digital media content creation companies that meet specific criteria. These companies must be Ontario-based, Canadian-owned, and incorporated in Ontario or federally.
- Established Companies must meet one of the following tests: at least 25% of the company’s revenue or 50% of the company’s expenditures over the previous two fiscal years comes from the creation of screen-based content projects.
- Established Companies must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum full-time equivalent of three years of experience in the creation of professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms.
- New companies with less than a year of operation must have an executive team including at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum full-time equivalent of three years of experience in the creation of professional, commercialized content.
- New companies must be majority-owned by individuals that are Ontario residents, prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful, and meet the relevant eligibility criteria for established companies on incorporation.
- Companies must be Ontario-based and demonstrate they were Ontario-based for at least one year prior to the deadline (for those with more than 365 days of operation).
- Companies must be Canadian-owned.
- The company must be in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.
- Up to three representatives per company, per activity will be considered, with at least one being a decision maker at the executive level within the applicant company.
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Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- 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 is not in good standing with Ontario Creates or one that is associated with an entity that is not in good standing with Ontario Creates;
- not-for-profit and public sector entities; and
- a company that holds a broadcast license or that has an ownership association with a company that holds a broadcast license.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Global Market Development program has several eligible expenses. These include costs for event registration, travel, accommodation, marketing materials, and per diems.
- Event Costs: Registration and booth/exhibitor expenses.
- Travel Costs: Round-trip travel costs capped at specific amounts based on geographic region.
- Accommodation Costs: Hotel expenses capped at C$600/night for a maximum of three days on either side of an event.
- Per Diems: Capped at C$100/day for daily meals and incidentals for a maximum of three days on either side of an event.
- Marketing Materials: Design, production, and shipping materials specifically created for the proposed activities, capped at 30% of the total costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are based on travel costs for specific regions. Ontario Creates has established benchmarks for round-trip travel for applicants traveling from Ontario.
- North America, Central America, or the Caribbean – C$1,000
- Europe – C$2,000
- South America, Middle East, or Asia – C$2,000
- Australia or Oceania - $2,500
- Africa – C$3,000
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications will be assessed based on track record, business and market development plan, anticipated impact and results, and project strengths, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Track Record (30%)
- Business and Market Development Plan (30%)
- Impact and Results (20%)
- Project Strengths (20%)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Register your company’s corporate information with the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) if not already registered.
- Step 2: Visit the OAP website at apply.ontariocreates.ca and click on “Register” to set up an account if needed.
- Step 3: Verify that the Global Market Development program deadline will appear in your dashboard on the OAP.
- Step 4: Start a new application by clicking on “Start new application” in the OAP and follow the onscreen directions to access the application form.
- Step 5: Complete the application form with all required information and documentation.
- Step 6: Use the GMD Activity Calculator to calculate your request based on eligible costs. Ensure that your budget is accurate and reflects planned activities and spending levels.
- Step 7: Submit the completed application through the OAP by the deadline of April 29, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET.
- Step 8: If required, attend the Global Market Development program Information Session by registering beforehand.
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The Global Market Development program is designed to support Ontario companies in international market activities and has new streamlined processes this year. Specific deadlines, eligibility criteria, and funding details must be carefully reviewed by applicants.
- Program will provide up to $15,000 capped at 50% of eligible expenses.
- Activities must take place between August 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
- Companies must be Ontario-based and incorporated, among other criteria.
- New companies must meet additional specific requirements.
- Primary activities supported include targeted sales trips and attendance at international market events.
- Specific benchmarks for travel and accommodation costs have been established.
- There is a new list of pre-approved activities and a simplified change of activity process for 2024.
- Applications must be submitted via the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP).
- The program supports a maximum of three representatives per company per activity.
- Examples of ineligible companies include private colleges, companies primarily engaged in client-driven projects, and companies with broadcast licenses.
- Expenses covered include event costs, travel, accommodation, and marketing materials, with specific caps applied.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session scheduled for April 4, 2024.
- Successful applicants will receive funding in installments based on deliverables.
- Companies must provide interim and final reports, including a cost report.
- A follow-up report may be required six months to one year post-program.
- Strategic support may be offered for key industry events.
- Supplementary funds may be available for accessibility expenses for applicants with disabilities.
grant_single_labels|contact
kgibson@ontariocreates.ca
416-642-6651
Apply to this program
Global Market Development Program: Ontario Creates 2024
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund - Global Market Development (GMD) program provides funding of up to $15,000 to eligible Ontario companies to support international business activities. This grant is designed to promote company growth through measurable business and market development results, focusing on activities such as sales trips and attendance at international events.
In-Depth Overview of the Ontario Creates Global Market Development Program
Ontario Creates, an agency of the Government of Ontario, plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic development, investment, and collaboration within Ontario’s creative industries. These industries include music, book, magazine, film, television, and interactive digital media sectors. The Global Market Development (GMD) program is one of the crucial funding initiatives under this umbrella, aimed at bolstering Ontario-based interactive digital media companies by enabling them to engage in international activities that foster company growth and measurable business outcomes.
Background and Objectives
The GMD program offers substantial financial support to Ontario-based companies involved in the creation of interactive digital media. The funding is tailored to facilitate global market development activities, such as international sales trips, participation in international market events, and other relevant activities that contribute to business expansion and market penetration beyond Canada's borders. The ultimate aim is to see these companies achieve verifiable business results – including increased sales, financing opportunities, licensing and publishing deals, heightened media coverage, partnership development, and expanded audience awareness.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GMD program, applicants must fulfill several rigorous eligibility requirements. Eligible companies must be Ontario-based and Canadian-owned, with an operational history of at least one year before the application deadline. They should be incorporated in Ontario or federally, or be prepared to incorporate immediately if their application is successful. In addition, these companies must demonstrate a portion of their revenue or expenditures derived from creating interactive digital media projects.
Furthermore, company representatives involved in the proposed activities should be full-time employees, owners, or influential decision-makers within the company. These representatives must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and must reside in Ontario. Notably, companies exclusively engaged in client-driven or fee-for-service projects, those involved primarily in marketing and design services, as well as not-for-profit organizations and public sector entities, are ineligible for this grant.
Eligible Activities and Projects
The GMD program supports a range of activities tailored to boost international market presence and business development for eligible companies. These activities include, but are not limited to, participation in international markets and events (both virtual and in-person), targeted sales trips, media tours to key international territories, and participation in trade missions organized by industry associations or government agencies. The proposed activities must align with the company's business and market development goals and should focus on proprietary interactive digital media content projects such as video games, mobile content, e-learning content, XR experiences, and web series.
To ensure relevance and feasibility, activities must not be related to projects primarily aimed at promoting corporate agendas, selling products and services, or facilitating interpersonal communication. Instead, they should be designed for consumer audiences, intended to educate, inform, or entertain, and consist of content that combines text, sound, and images to be commercially exploited.
Funding Details
Successful applicants to the GMD program can receive up to $15,000 in funding, capped at 50% of the total costs for all eligible activities. The funding may cover various expenses, including registration and booth/exhibitor costs for events, travel and accommodation, per diems for daily expenses, and marketing material production and shipping. It's important to note that funding requests must be calculated using the GMD Activity Calculator, and consistent underspends in the program might affect future funding prospects.
Travel costs are benchmarked according to geographic regions, with specific caps set for different areas. For instance, round-trip travel costs are capped at CAD 1,000 for North America, Central America, or the Caribbean, and these amounts increase for regions like Europe, South America, and Africa. Hotel expenses are also capped at CAD 600 per night, and per diems for daily meals and incidentals are limited to CAD 100 per day.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applications for the GMD program must be submitted through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP). The deadline for submissions is April 29, 2024, by 5:00 pm ET. To ensure a smooth application process, it's crucial for applicants to register their company's corporate information on the OAP platform well in advance. This preparation helps to mitigate technical issues that may arise close to the deadline.
Pertinent guidelines and documentation should be thoroughly reviewed before commencing the application. The application process requires a clear outline of all targeted activities, their alignment with the company’s global market development plan, and how these activities will support the company's business and market development goals.
Evaluation and Decision Criteria
Applications are rigorously evaluated based on criteria that encompass the company's track record, the clarity and strategic alignment of the proposed global market development plan, the anticipated impact and results of the proposed activities, and the overall strength and readiness of the projects for international markets. Furthermore, Ontario Creates applies a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion to all evaluations, encouraging companies to demonstrate genuine commitments to supporting underrepresented communities within the interactive digital media industry.
Key evaluation criteria and their respective weightings include:
- Track Record (30%): This includes global market readiness, past successes in international markets, and the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Business and Market Development Plan (30%): Assessing the clarity and feasibility of the company’s global market development plan and the suitability of proposed activities.
- Impact and Results (20%): Evaluating the anticipated impacts on revenue, project success, company growth, and measurable business development results.
- Project Strength (20%): The readiness and market suitability of the projects, and their support for diversity within the industry.
Reporting and Funding Distribution
Successful applicants will receive funding through a structured payment plan, which includes an initial disbursement of 60% upon signing the agreement with Ontario Creates. The remaining 40% is provided upon the satisfactory submission of a final report and all required deliverables. Applicants are responsible for arranging their travel, registration, and accommodation independently.
Interim and final reports are mandatory, detailing the assessment of business and market development results compared to the proposed objectives. Companies may also be required to submit a follow-up report six months to a year after the conclusion of the program, summarizing the outcomes of their international activities. Failure to provide these reports can affect future funding eligibility.
Additional Support and Resources
Ontario Creates may offer strategic support for key industry events, providing supplementary resources such as access to industry consultants, pre-event briefings, and networking opportunities. This support is contingent on the number of Ontario companies attending an event and the assessed need for such resources.
Accessibility support is also available for applicants with disabilities or who are Deaf, ensuring they have the necessary resources to complete their project deliverables successfully.
Conclusion
The Ontario Creates Global Market Development Program is a significant opportunity for Ontario-based interactive digital media companies to expand their horizons and achieve measurable business growth in international markets. By offering substantial financial support and strategic resources, the program aims to bolster the global presence and success of Ontario's creative industries. Companies interested in applying are encouraged to thoroughly review the program guidelines and ensure that their activities align with the program's objectives and eligibility requirements.
For more information, prospective applicants can contact Kim Gibson, Program Consultant (Interactive Digital Media) at kgibson@ontariocreates.ca or visit the Ontario Creates website for detailed guidelines and application instructions.
