How much funding can be received?

The Musicaction grant program aims to strengthen the music industry infrastructure within Indigenous communities by supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in developing entrepreneurial skills and capacities, with a maximum funding of $75,000 per application, covering activities like business structuring, strategy development, and personalized professional support. Eligible activities include creating business plans, seeking management consultations, establishing marketing strategies, and supporting salaries related to music industry operations.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides financial support aimed at strengthening the infrastructure of the music industry within Indigenous communities, helping to develop audiences for Indigenous artists and support entrepreneurial growth.

General funding available up to $75,000 per application, covering no more than 90% of the accepted costs unless the actual eligible costs are lower.
Full financing (up to 100%) available for projects focused on developing a business diagnostic or business plan and salary-related expenses.
The total government funding, including Musicaction, cannot exceed 100% of the project's costs.
An initial payment of 90% of the approved amount is made upon contract signing, with the final payment issued post-completion analysis.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Musicaction grant for Indigenous Entrepreneurs supports projects that aim to strengthen business infrastructure and enhance skills within the Indigenous music industry. Eligible activities include strategic planning, professional consultations, and technological upgrading.

Professional accompaniment for business plan development.
Consultation with management specialists, including legal, accounting, and human resources.
Development of marketing and export strategies.
Funding for salaries, including those of the business owner.
Recruitment of administrative support or specialized workforce linked to the music industry.
Implementation of technological solutions like accounting software and e-commerce websites.
Mentorship or internships with music industry specialists.
Participation in conferences, panels, workshops, and masterclasses on topics such as entrepreneurship, legal aspects, financial planning, music production, and digital distribution.
Investments covering up to 50% of costs for audio recording or commercialization projects.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant require that the applicant meets specific ownership, operational, and compliance conditions.

The company must be owned and controlled by one or more Indigenous individuals and have its headquarters and principal place of business in Canada.
It must be either a sole proprietorship or a legally constituted entity such as an incorporated business, partnership, or cooperative under Canadian federal or provincial laws, or be in the process of being established.
The business must have contractual agreements for eligible activities with at least one active artist identifying as Indigenous, other than the artist-owner, whose sound recording project has been released within the last 24 months or is scheduled for release in the next 12 months.
It must have submitted a financial assistance application within the past 24 months for one of its artists, including the artist-owner, under one of the Foundation's individual programs.
A company where the artist-owner is not the majority owner is also eligible.
The applicant must not be in default of payment and must be in good standing with third-party administrators FACTOR and Musicaction.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The program is aimed at Indigenous-owned businesses, with Indigenous leadership, engaging in the creation and marketing of sound recordings, live performance production, artist management, and music publishing, excluding Indigenous artist owners of the business. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria detailed in the eligibility section.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant has specific eligibility requirements but does not specifically outline which types of companies are excluded other than those already receiving support under certain other programs. These restrictions ensure alignment with the grant's objectives.

Companies benefiting from the "Soutien aux entrepreneur.e.s de la musique au sein des CLOSM francophones" program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in the music industry.

Professional accompaniment for creating a business plan.
Consultation with management and music industry specialists.
Reference tools and management tools like contracts and directories.
Creation of marketing and export strategies.
Salaries and social charges, including non-artist owner salaries.
Hiring of administrative support or specialized labor for the music industry.
Implementation of technological solutions (e.g., accounting software, transactional websites).
Bank of hours, mentoring, or internships with music industry specialists.
Conference, panel, workshop, masterclass, and training fees on relevant topics.
Up to 50% investment in recording or marketing project costs refused in individual initiatives.
Eligible accommodation and travel expenses within Canada or abroad.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies that are based and have their headquarters and principal business location within Canada. It is intended to support Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country.

Companies located in Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they align with the objectives outlined by Musicaction's program.

The experience acquired in the music sector by the applicant.
The number of Indigenous artists associated with the applicant's company and the various fields of activity undertaken.
The entrepreneurial development goals for the year and their coherence with the current situation of the applicant's company.
The applicant's ability to grow their business and the realism of the submitted budget.
The applicant's financial capacity to successfully complete and sustain the project. This includes the willingness to provide access to accounting records for verification if required.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Obtain Application Forms
Contact Thomas Monette-Tremblay or Véronique Landry via email to request the necessary application forms.
Step 2: Complete Required Documents
Fill out the Word and Excel application forms, including Sections A to D in Word and the Artists and Budget-Bilan tabs in Excel.
Gather supporting documents such as incorporation papers, financial statements, organizational charts, and contracts with Indigenous artists.
Step 3: Submit Application
Ensure all documents are correctly named incorporating "Demandeur – Projet – SEA" format.
Submit the completed forms and supporting documentation electronically to inscription@musicaction.ca by the deadline.
Step 4: Application Review and Meeting
Musicaction will evaluate your application and may request a meeting to discuss and clarify aspects of your submission.
Step 5: Acceptance and Contract
If accepted, finalize goals and budget with the program team and sign the financing contract.
Receive the initial funding amount, typically 90% of the total granted.
Step 6: Project Completion and Final Report
Complete the project within the specified timeframe (April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025).
Submit the completion report by May 1, 2025, including financial documents and any required additional proofs of payment.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

A thorough evaluation process is conducted where applicants have a chance to clarify or add elements to their application after an initial review.
Successful applicants must demonstrate financial capability to complete the project and may need to provide access to their accounting books for verification purposes.
Applicants are required to use Canadian suppliers and services wherever possible.
Specific branding requirements must be met in all project-related communications, including the display of logos and acknowledgment phrases.
Originals of invoices and proof of payment must be retained for five years after project completion and can be requested for verification.

grant_single_labels|contact

tmonette@musicaction.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Indigenous Music Entrepreneurs

The Musicaction Program for Indigenous Entrepreneurs aims to enhance the infrastructure capacity within Indigenous communities, supporting the professional and entrepreneurial development of Indigenous music business owners. This initiative seeks to provide a structured support system to help Indigenous entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses.

Exploring the Musicaction Program for Indigenous Music Entrepreneurs

The "Musicaction – Soutien aux entrepreneur.e.s autochtones" is a pivotal program designed to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs in the music industry by offering them structured financial support. This initiative is focused on fostering the growth and diversification of Indigenous-owned for-profit businesses that operate in key areas of the music industry, such as sound recording production, artist management, and music publishing, and are dedicated to promoting the work of Indigenous artists.

With its main goal of strengthening music industry infrastructure within Indigenous communities, the program provides opportunities for learning and development, helping entrepreneurs acquire and hone essential business skills. The support provided can be used for business structuring, consolidation, diversification, and to address specific financial needs related to enhancing business capabilities and professional competencies. Whether it's through one-on-one professional mentoring, establishing business strategies, or building a resilient management framework, the program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs on their path to success.

Eligible applicants are Indigenous-controlled businesses based in Canada that are engaged in producing or marketing sound recordings, managing artists, or publishing music works. The program is open to companies that contract with at least one active Indigenous artist, further fostering collaboration and growth within the Indigenous music community. The fund itself offers of up to $75,000 per application, covering up to 90 percent of eligible costs, with certain expenditures, such as business diagnostics or salary expenses, potentially receiving up to 100 percent coverage.

The program places significant emphasis on the sustainability of Indigenous businesses, ensuring they have the optimal conditions for long-term success and stability. By providing necessary resources and financial assistance, the program helps ensure that Indigenous entrepreneurs can navigate the complex landscape of the music industry, overcoming hurdles that may impede their development.

The comprehensive evaluation of applications considers the entrepreneur's experience, the variety of activities undertaken, and the number of Indigenous artists involved. This evaluative process, in conjunction with personal meetings with applicants, ensures that all aspects of a proposal are thoroughly understood and curated to meet the program's objectives. This holistic approach ensures targeted assistance is provided where it is most effective, enabling long-term benefits to both the entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.

This grant represents a significant opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the music industry to not only solidify their business foundations but also to make a broader cultural impact. By supporting entrepreneurs who are deeply embedded within their communities, the program upholds cultural values and facilitates the broader dissemination of Indigenous music. Through this initiative, Musicaction reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and diverse Canadian music landscape.