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Source verified May 4, 2026
OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives
Funding for Ontario music industry initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: May 1, 2026Latest change: OMIF Music Industry Initiatives has been updated with new 2026-27 eligibility rules, stream structure, and funding guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Latest change: OMIF Music Industry Initiatives has been updated with new 2026-27 eligibility rules, stream structure, and funding guidance.
OMIF Music Industry Initiatives updated
OMIF Music Industry Initiatives now reflects new 2026-27 program parameters, including revised applicant categories, revenue thresholds, and stream names. The page also adds new guidance on eligible activities and funding conditions, with updated limits and requirements that may affect who can apply and what can be requested. The application window, deadline language, and contact details appear to remain in place, but the revised FAQ and guidelines should be reviewed carefully before applying.
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 300,000
Deadline
October 23, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides direct grants of up to $300,000 for Ontario music industry initiatives. It supports collective activities that strengthen the music sector through professional development, training, networking, business analytics, and export development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Professional development and training initiatives
- Networking and business-to-business activities
- Business analytics and data collection
- Export and market development activities, including showcasing Ontario talent
Documents Needed
- Activity budget template
- Applicant affidavit
- Ontario Creates Program Policies
- Most recent two years of financial statements
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Music industry trade associations
- Music service organizations
Who is not eligible
- Music festivals
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
- Universities, colleges, and training institutions
Eligible expenses
- Direct costs for eligible activities
- Costs tied to professional development, training, networking, business analytics, and export activities
- Eligible activity costs supported by a matching contribution
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Awards, ceremonies, and fundraising activities
- Expenses outside the approved activity period without prior approval
- Staff benefits, in-kind staff costs, and non-project labour
- Real estate, leasehold improvements, and permanent structures
- Recoverable taxes, alcohol, cannabis, and grant-writing fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Organizational track record and capacity
- Financial strength and risk management
- Clarity, feasibility, and impact of the proposal
- Relevance to industry needs and support for emerging artists
- Expected economic and cultural results
How to apply
- Step 1: Review guidelines and contact the Ontario Music Office if needed
- Read the guidelines and program policies.
- First-time applicants should contact the Ontario Music Office at least three weeks before the deadline.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Gather the required documents and complete the budget information.
- Register company information in the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal if needed.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the application electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal.
- Create an account if you do not already have one.
- Step 4: After submission
- Applicants receive a response within 8 to 10 weeks.
- Approved applicants must complete the transfer payment agreement before funding begins.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through the online portal
- Applicants receive a response within 8 to 10 weeks
- Late applications are not considered
- Approved applicants must complete a transfer payment agreement before funding is issued
Additional information
- First-time applicants must contact the Ontario Music Office at least three weeks before the deadline.
- Applications can be prepared and saved incrementally in the online portal.
- Information sessions are encouraged, but not required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives Program
What is the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives?
This program provides direct grants of up to $300,000 for Ontario music industry initiatives. It supports collective activities that strengthen the music sector through professional development, training, networking, business analytics, and export development.
How much funding can be received?
OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives program?
To be eligible for the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives program, you must:
Ontario-based organization
Music trade association or service organization
Established applicant
What expenses are eligible under OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives?
Professional development and training initiatives
Networking and business-to-business activities
Business analytics and data collection
Export and market development activities, including showcasing Ontario talent
Who can I contact for more information about the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives?
You can contact Ontario Creates by email at omo@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-572-0436.
Where is the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives available?
The OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives is a Grant and Funding