Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program

The Business Intelligence Program grant is specifically available to organizations that meet the following eligibility criteria.

• Applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit Ontario organizations or incorporated not-for-profit national organizations offering significant benefit to the Ontario creative industries, such as book, film, interactive digital media, magazine, music, or television industries.
• Preference is given to creative industry trade organizations.
• Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply directly but may be partners in a project.
• Applicants may partner or collaborate with other organizations to further the goals of the project, but the lead applicant must be an eligible organization.
• Applicant organizations must confirm they have guiding principles and a process for maintaining a respectful workplace.

Who is eligible?

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Business Intelligence Program (BIP) by Ontario Creates is based on several criteria aimed at aligning with their strategic goals and a focus on diversity and industry impact.

• Mandate Alignment (30%): Projects must contribute to the growth of the cultural media industry in Ontario or support innovation and collaboration in this sector. A minimum score of 20% is required in this category to meet the Project Eligibility Requirements.
• Quality of Project Plan (25%): Applications should clearly describe data collection methods and demonstrate a sound project rationale, with realistic timelines and meaningful engagement with equity-seeking communities.
• Project Costs and Financing (20%): The application should present a rational budget and structure reflecting value for money with potential partnerships and additional funders.
• Applicant and Project Team Capacity (20%): The applicant organization and team must show a proven track record and capability, along with diversity among senior leadership and staff.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (5%): Projects should involve thoughtful consultation and collaboration with underrepresented communities within the creative industries.

Who is not eligible

This program does not accept applications from certain institutions and has specific restrictions related to the eligibility of applicants. These include mandates that align with the cultural media industry objectives of Ontario Creates.

• Colleges and universities cannot apply directly but may partner in a project.
• Organizations not incorporated as not-for-profit or without a significant benefit to the Ontario creative industries.
• For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses related to the execution of eligible business intelligence projects.

• Consulting fees for expert services necessary for the project.
• Administration costs up to 15% of the total budget, including utilities, payroll costs, couriers, photocopying, office staff salaries, office supplies, and rental of office space.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to not-for-profit Ontario organizations or national organizations with significant benefit to the Ontario creative industries. Eligibility is focused on enhancing the cultural media landscape within Ontario.

• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations based in Ontario.
• National organizations offering significant benefits to Ontario's creative industries.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Business Intelligence Program (BIP) grant focus on the alignment with Ontario Creates' strategic goals and effective resource utilization.

• Mandate Alignment (30%): Evaluates how the project contributes to the expansion of Ontario's cultural media industry and addresses industry information gaps.
• Quality of Project Plan (25%): Assesses the clarity of the data collection plan, rationale, timeline, and engagement with equity-seeking communities.
• Project Costs and Financing (20%): Considers the budget clarity, value for money, and the presence of partnerships to reflect cost-sharing.
• Applicant and Project Team Capacity (20%): Reviews the organization’s track record and the expertise of the project team, along with the diversity within the leadership team.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (5%): Evaluates the meaningful consultation and participation of equity-deserving communities.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Successful applicants need to disclose the use of AI technology both in the application and in the project.
• A minimum project budget of $30,000 is required.
• Applicants must provide proof of commercial general liability insurance of not less than $2 million.
• Administration costs cannot exceed 15% of the total budget.
• The funding will require interim and final reports, including a cost report.
• The project must address an existing information gap.
• Ontario Creates funding may not cover travel, hospitality, or personal consultant expenses.
• Projects must ensure accessibility in the final report and any related communications materials.
• The final report will be made public and can be posted on the Ontario Creates website.