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OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives

Funding for Ontario music industry initiatives

Offered by
Ontario Creates
Official source: ontariocreates.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 300,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Music industry trade associations
See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$300,000
Minimum funding
$10,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Access new markets
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Non-profit
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
Fee-for-service model, Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
Provincial, National, International

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

FOIIM program criteria and scope updated

FOIIM has been substantially revised, including who can apply, program streams, and funding rules, with smaller updates to application guidance and contacts.

See more

FOIIM has been substantially updated for the 2026-2027 program year. The program now lists five streams, revises who can apply, and adds new revenue thresholds and priorities across music business development, talent development, and international market development. The application guidance and supporting materials were also clarified, including document expectations and submission instructions. Funding conditions and contact details remain broadly similar, but the scope and eligibility rules changed enough to affect applicant screening.

Official source: ontariocreates.ca
May 1, 2026

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

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

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.

Documents Needed

  • Activity budget template
  • Applicant affidavit
  • Ontario Creates Program Policies
  • Most recent two years of financial statements

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

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

omo@ontariocreates.ca
416-572-0436

Official sources

OMIF - Music Industry Initiatives

Program guide

OMIF Music Industry Initiatives Guidelines 2025 26

Application form

Omif Music Industry Initiatives Activity Budget 2025 26

Supporting document

OC Ontario Music Office Program Policies 2025 26Ontario Music Investment FundRespectful Workplace Affidavit
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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?

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

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