OMIF — Music Creation
At a glance
- Max. $200,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : July 17, 2023
- Closing date : September 05, 2024
- All industries
- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Creates
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) Music Creation stream supports the development of competitive, sustainable music companies in Ontario that focus on expanding artist rosters, professional recording, job creation, export market development, and diversity within the music industry. Eligible applicants include domestic record labels, multinational record labels, and domestic music publishers.
- Applicants must have minimum annual revenues of $25,000 from core business activities as a record label or music publisher.
- Domestic record labels, multinational record labels, and domestic music publishers are eligible to apply.
- High potential self-releasing BIPOC and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs may also qualify as domestic record labels.
- Applicants need to provide a matching contribution to ensure maximum ROI from provincial investment.
- Full eligibility requirements can be found in the Music Creation Guidelines.
Who is eligible
Eligible applicants for the OMIF Music Creation grant include domestic record labels, multinational record labels, and domestic music publishers. Potential applicants may also include high potential self-releasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs.
- Domestic Record Labels
- Multinational Record Labels
- Domestic Music Publishers
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant in the OMIF Music Creation stream. Eligible expenses include:
- Expanding artist rosters
- Investing in professional recording and production
- Facilitating job creation
- Undertaking export market development
- Enhancing business capacity
- Increasing and strengthening diversity within Ontario's music industry
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports eligible domestic record labels, multinational record labels, and domestic music publishers in funding activities such as expanding artist rosters, investing in professional recording and production, facilitating job creation, undertaking export market development, enhancing business capacity, and increasing diversity within Ontario's music industry.
- Expanding artist rosters
- Investing in professional recording and production
- Facilitating job creation
- Undertaking export market development
- Enhancing business capacity
- Increasing and strengthening diversity within Ontario's music industry
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Clear demonstration of alignment with the objectives of the Music Creation stream
- Measurable outcomes that show business growth potential
- Financial sustainability and capability to undertake proposed activities
- Evidence of diversity enhancement within the Ontario music industry
How to apply
- Contact the Ontario Music Office at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline to discuss eligibility.
- Submit applications electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal.
- Ensure all required documentation and financial statements are current and dated within six months of the fiscal year-end.
- Prepare a detailed business plan that includes an applicant profile, business activities overview, SWOT analysis, risk management plan, and case for eligible activities.
- Provide a Certificate of Insurance with specific criteria before the transfer payment agreement can be executed.
- Attend an Ontario Creates Information Session for additional guidance and insights.
OMIF Music Creation Grant Summary
The OMIF Music Creation stream supports the development of competitive, sustainable music companies in Ontario by providing funding to eligible record labels and music publishers. The grant aims to expand artist rosters, invest in production, create job opportunities, develop export markets, enhance business capacity, and promote diversity within Ontario's music industry.
OMIF Music Creation Grant Details
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) offers financial support to domestic and multinational record labels, as well as music publishers, to undertake activities that boost artist development and market growth. The grant provides up to 50% funding for eligible activities, with a maximum cap of $200,000. Applicants are required to demonstrate clear outcomes aligned with the program's objectives and provide a matching contribution to maximize the ROI from provincial investment.
Eligible applicants must have minimum annual revenues of $25,000 from core business activities and comply with specific requirements outlined in the Music Creation Guidelines. The grant has two application intakes with flexible 12-month activity windows for recipients based on the date of their first expenditure. Companies applying for the grant are encouraged to submit a comprehensive business plan outlining their goals, strategies, and risk management approach.
Ensuring sustainable growth and fostering talent development are key priorities of the OMIF Music Creation stream, aimed at strengthening Ontario's music ecosystem and supporting emerging artists. The program seeks to advance the competitiveness of music companies by promoting innovation, diversity, and market expansion.
