OMIF — Music Creation
ON, Canada
Money to support Ontario music creators
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 17, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 05, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Creates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you’re a domestic or multinational record label or a domestic music publisher, you could get a grant to help cover the costs of business activities, like expanding your roster of artists, investing in professional recording and production, or exporting
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is exclusively available to music companies registered and operating within Ontario, Canada. These companies must meet the specific Ontario-based criteria set by the funding body to be eligible for application.
- Companies registered in Ontario, Canada.
- Organizations with a permanent office in Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$130,000
Skyline Sounds international market expansion initiative in Europe
$80,000
Rising Star Records focuses on export market development to Asia
$80,000
Roland Records expansion of its artist roster with new emerging talents
$90,000
MelodyWorks plans to invest in a professional recording studio upgrade
$150,000
Lyrica Music to expand their business capacity by creating new job roles
$80,000
Harmony Music Group's initiative to enhance diversity within their artist roster
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and business activities.
- Eligible applicants are domestic record labels, multinational record labels, and domestic music publishers.
- High potential self-releasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs may also be eligible as domestic record labels.
- Applicants must have minimum annual revenues of $25,000 from core business activities.
- The company must be based in Ontario, meaning it is registered in Ontario and has a permanent office in Ontario.
- The company must demonstrate that it can provide a matching contribution to the funding it requests.
- The application should align with the goals of the OMIF Music Creation stream, focusing on expanding artist rosters, investing in professional recording and production, facilitating job creation, undertaking export market development, enhancing business capacity, and increasing diversity within the Ontario music industry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible entities for the OMIF Music Creation stream include:- Domestic Record Labels: Entities that are primarily involved in signing artists, distributing music, and managing artist development. - This category may also extend to high-potential self-releasing BIPOC and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs.- Multinational Record Labels: Large-scale record labels with operations in multiple countries, including significant involvement in the Ontario music scene.- Domestic Music Publishers: Companies that primarily handle the rights management, distribution, and promotion of music compositions and song lyrics.Before applying, these applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Ontario Music Office if they are first-time applicants or if they fall into special categories like self-releasing BIPOC and Francophone artists, to discuss eligibility and application requirements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible activities under the OMIF Music Creation stream are designed to promote the growth and development of music companies and artists in Ontario. These activities focus on enhancing creative and strategic initiatives within the music industry.
- Recording and professional production of musical works.
- Marketing and promotion of artists and musical productions.
- Touring and showcasing events to expand audience reach.
- Business development initiatives aimed at increasing industry capacity.
- Export market development to facilitate international opportunities.
- Projects that promote diversity and inclusion within the music sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The OMIF Music Creation grant covers expenses directly related to the support and development of competitive, sustainable music companies in Ontario.
- Costs for expanding artist rosters and investing in professional recording and production.
- Expenses related to job creation and business capacity enhancement.
- Expenditures for export market development activities.
- Costs associated with enhancing diversity within Ontario's music industry.
- Amortization expenses for specific capital expenditures, adhering to guidelines.
- Rental costs for capital assets directly involved in the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake the proposed activities and achieve clear, measurable outcomes.
- Alignment with program objectives including business activity expansion, artist roster growth, and enhancement of diversity.
- Potential for long-term growth and strengthening of the music company.
- Efficiency in leveraging additional resources through matching contributions.
- Contribution to job creation and economic development within the Ontario music industry.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the OMIF - Music Creation grant:
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Read the OMIF Music Creation Guidelines thoroughly to ensure your company is eligible.
- Ensure that you are either a domestic record label, multinational record label, or domestic music publisher.
- Contact the Ontario Music Office for verification or clarification of eligibility if needed.
- Step 2: Register on Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP)
- If you don’t have an existing account, register by visiting https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/.
- Follow the steps to create a new user account if you’re a first-time applicant.
- Consult the OAP Quick Start Guide available on the Ontario Creates website for assistance.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all necessary materials including financial statements, business plan, and proposed budget.
- Ensure that all documents are current and comply with the outlined requirements in the Music Creation Guidelines.
- Prepare your business plan to include components such as company profile, an outline of eligible activities, and a SWOT analysis.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Log into the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal to complete your application.
- Upload all required application materials and double-check for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application through the portal prior to the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Upon submission, receive a confirmation via email with your application number.
- Retain confirmation for your records and future reference.
- Request feedback from Ontario Creates if your application is not approved, to help improve future applications.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the OMO at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline to discuss eligibility and seek guidance.
- Applicants must provide a Certificate of Insurance before the transfer payment agreement can be executed.
- The grant amount requested should reflect core business revenues, and the OMO may request additional revenue breakdown information if needed.
- Clear, measurable outcomes aligned with the Music Creation stream objectives are critical for application success.
- OMIF reserves the right to request invoices and proof of payment to verify eligibility of expenses.
- Funding decisions are typically announced approximately 14 weeks after the application deadline.
- OMIF recognizes various forms of financial statements based on the funding amount requested, ensuring they comply with set standards.
- The application process can be incremental, allowing applicants to save and edit information until submission.
Apply to this program
Support for Ontario's Music Industry through OMIF's Music Creation Program
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) offers the Music Creation stream, providing up to 50% matching grants for record labels and music publishers in Ontario. These grants aim to foster the growth and sustainability of the music industry by focusing on artist development, expanding rosters, and enhancing industry diversity.
In-Depth Understanding of OMIF's Music Creation Program: What It Offers and How It Impacts the Music Sector
The OMIF Music Creation stream is an essential catalyst for nurturing the dynamic music landscape of Ontario, empowering both new and established record labels and music publishers. With a keen focus on fostering innovation and diversity, this grant supports activities ranging from expanding artist rosters to investing in professional recording, production, and export market development. As the music industry is ever-evolving, OMIF stands at the forefront, ensuring that Ontario remains competitive on the global stage, particularly in promoting emerging artists who often represent the next wave of cultural ambassadors.
The program underscores the importance of sustainability within the music sector by requiring applicants to provide a matching contribution. This not only ensures that the investment is maximized but also fosters a shared sense of commitment between the province and music companies, guaranteeing that the projects undertaken are strategically and financially sound. The criteria set forth by OMIF ensure that every funded project has a strong likelihood of successful implementation, echoes the overarching goal of enhancing Ontario's music capacity, and aligns with strategic objectives of diversifying and strengthening the local music industry.
Beneficiaries of the OMIF Music Creation stream benefit from a robust support system yielding both financial and strategic advantages. By providing up to 50% of the costs towards eligible activities, this grant embodies a significant financial uplift for companies aiming to invest in high-quality productions, promising artists, and innovative business processes. This financial leverage is vital for record labels and publishers striving for industry prominence, especially amid the diverse challenges that characterize today's music landscape, such as digital transformation, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition from international players.
Potential applicants should be aware of the program's meticulously crafted application timeline and activity window requirements, which offer a 12-month period flexibility for executing approved activities. This timeline ensures that companies can align their strategic goals with industry trends and seasonal marketing opportunities, without the pressure of immediate implementation. Additionally, for emerging artists and high potential self-releasing BIPOC and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs, the OMIF Music Creation stream is a gateway to exposure and growth, offering opportunities previously inaccessible within the competitive music industry.
Ultimately, OMIF's Music Creation program not only fuels immediate economic activity but also lays the groundwork for a more vibrant and diverse music ecosystem in Ontario. By incentivizing the discovery and nurturing of emerging talents, and by supporting business models that embrace diversity and creativity, the program contributes significantly to cultural richness and the overall economic development of the province. This grant is a testament to Ontario's commitment to its music industry, aiming to transform challenges into opportunities and ensuring long-term, sustainable growth for local music companies and their artists.
