Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
Global Market Development — IDM Fund
Supports international market development for interactive media companies
Latest source updateLast Update: June 28, 2026Latest change: The Global Market Development page now shows the 2026 deadline and updated contact and resource links, while funding terms remain at up to $15,000 and 50% of total costs.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 28, 2026
Latest change: The Global Market Development page now shows the 2026 deadline and updated contact and resource links, while funding terms remain at up to $15,000 and 50% of total costs.
Global Market Development timeline and contact update
The Global Market Development page now shows the deadline as April 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, replacing the prior April 28, 2025 by 5:00 pm ET date shown on the earlier version. The funding terms remain unchanged at up to $15,000 capped at 50% of total costs, and the page now points to updated PDF resources and the GMD Activity Calculator. The contact email on the page has changed from idmfund@ontariocreates.ca to programs@ontariocreates.ca for the Program Coordinator, Industry Development, while the OAP support email remains applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca. The information session section now says a recording of the most recent session is available and that applicants should read the Guidelines.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
April 27, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Access new markets
- Reach a new target audience
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% 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
- 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.
Documents Needed
- Global Market Development Guidelines
- Ontario Creates Program Policies
- Application Form/Online Application Portal
- Pre-Approved Activities
- GMD Activity Calculator
Official resources
Program guide
Supporting document
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
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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