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OMIF — Music Creation

Money to support Ontario music creators

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ontariocreates.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 200,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Domestic record labels
See full eligibility

Overview

Ontario Creates provides direct funding to eligible music companies in Ontario to support growth-focused business activities. The program covers activities such as recording and production, marketing and promotion, touring and showcasing, artist development, business development, and business travel.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$200,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Access new markets
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Language Minorities
  • Black Canadians
Legal structures
For-profit business, Sole proprietorship

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

FOIIM Music Creation updated

The FOIIM Music Creation page was substantially revised, with updated applicant categories, program streams, and eligibility and funding conditions.

See more

The FOIIM Music Creation content was significantly rewritten for the 2026-2027 program year, including new program framing and a shift from four to five streams. Eligibility now reflects updated applicant categories and revenue thresholds, and the FAQ guidance on who can apply was expanded and reorganized. The page also reflects changes to eligible activities and funding conditions, especially around travel and stream-specific access, while the listed deadline dates remain generally unchanged. Application instructions, portal details, and contact information appear largely the same.

Official source: ontariocreates.ca
May 1, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Domestic record labels
  • Multinational record labels
  • Domestic music publishers

Eligible expenses

  • Recording, editing, mixing, and mastering
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Business development and business travel
  • Artist development and copyright-related activities
  • Direct tour costs, including travel and promotion
  • Administrative, labour, and certain capital costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Expenses outside the approved activity period
  • Costs not pre-approved by Ontario Creates
  • International artist costs and foreign producer fees
  • Manufacturing fees, staff benefits, and real estate or leasehold improvement costs
  • Recoverable taxes, grant writer fees, and general liability insurance

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Recording and production of music performances
  • Marketing and promotion of new recordings or online performances
  • Touring and showcasing activities for signed artists
  • Artist development and copyright-related initiatives
  • Business development and market growth activities

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review guidelines and confirm eligibility
    • Read the Music Creation guidelines and Program Policies.
    • Contact the Ontario Music Office at least two weeks before the deadline if needed.
  • Step 2: Register in the Online Application Portal
    • Create an account in the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal if you do not already have one.
    • Use the portal’s registration and quick start resources if needed.
  • Step 3: Prepare application materials
    • Complete the required forms and gather the supporting documents listed in the portal.
    • Prepare the activity budget and business plan or application responses.
  • Step 4: Submit the application online
    • Submit the full application electronically through the Ontario Creates portal before the deadline.
    • Late applications are not considered.

Documents Needed

  • Activity budget
  • Activity details and plans
  • Business plan
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Financial statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years
  • Signed applicant affidavit

Selection criteria

  • Strong support for emerging artists
  • Higher share of Ontario-based expenses
  • Clear, measurable outcomes aligned with program objectives
  • Capacity to support growth and return on investment

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by Ontario Creates after submission.
  • Decisions are communicated about 14 weeks after the deadline.
  • Successful applicants must have a certificate of insurance before the transfer payment agreement is executed.
  • Funding is provided under a transfer payment agreement with reports required.

Additional information

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.

Official sources

OMIF - Music Creation

Program guide

2025-26 Ontario Music Investment FUND Music Creation Guidelines

Application form

Application DeclarationOmif Music Creation Activity Budget Template 2025 26

Supporting document

OC Ontario Music Office Program Policies 2025 26Ontario Music Investment Fund
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Frequently Asked Questions about the OMIF — Music Creation Program

What is the OMIF — Music Creation?

Ontario Creates provides direct funding to eligible music companies in Ontario to support growth-focused business activities. The program covers activities such as recording and production, marketing and promotion, touring and showcasing, artist development, business development, and business travel.

How much funding can be received?

OMIF — Music Creation Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the OMIF — Music Creation program?

To be eligible for the OMIF — Music Creation program, you must: Domestic record labels, multinational record labels, or domestic music publishers Ontario-based companies in operation for 2+ years Minimum annual revenues of $25,000

What expenses are eligible under OMIF — Music Creation?

Recording, editing, mixing, and mastering Marketing and promotion Business development and business travel Artist development and copyright-related activities Direct tour costs, including travel and promotion Administrative, labour, and certain capital costs

Where is the OMIF — Music Creation available?

The OMIF — Music Creation program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the OMIF — Music Creation a grant, loan, or tax credit?

OMIF — Music Creation is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the OMIF — Music Creation?

OMIF — Music Creation is funded by Government of Ontario, Ontario Creates