Closed
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2024
- Closing date : January 15, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2024
- Closing date : January 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Language Minorities
- Black Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OMIF — Music Creation Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the OMIF — Music Creation. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 15, 2026.
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 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
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