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Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program
Supports industry research for Ontario creative sectors
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : August 11, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports incorporated not-for-profit industry organizations with funding covering up to 75% of project costs for business intelligence initiatives in Ontario’s creative industries. Eligible activities include gathering, analyzing and disseminating market data, industry insights and strategic intelligence that address existing information gaps.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : August 11, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Gathering and disseminating business intelligence for Ontario creative sectors
- Market research on consumers, segments or geographic markets
- Analysis or interpretation of existing data and statistics
- Strategic research to help content-creating companies address challenges and opportunities
- Industry research that fills existing information gaps
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Signed Applicant Affidavit
- Project budget
- Proof of not-for-profit incorporation
- Supporting project materials describing methodology and work plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit Ontario organizations
- Incorporated national not-for-profit organizations benefiting Ontario creative industries
- Creative industry trade organizations
- Organizations serving the book, film, interactive digital media, magazine, music or television sectors
Who is not eligible
- Colleges and universities applying directly as applicants
- For-profit businesses
- Organizations that are not incorporated not-for-profit entities
Eligible expenses
- Consulting or consulting firm fees for project delivery
- Administrative costs such as utilities, payroll, couriers, photocopying, office supplies and office rent
- Project costs included in the approved budget for carrying out the study
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Strategic planning for an organization
- Feasibility studies
- Studies evaluating the applicant’s own programs
- Projects that include recommendations for government or public funders
- Consultants’ travel, hospitality or other personal expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- National organizations with significant benefit to Ontario creative industries
Selection criteria
- Mandate alignment and contribution to new business intelligence insights — 30%
- Quality of project plan, including methodology, rationale, timeline and communications strategy — 25%
- Project costs and financing, including value for money — 20%
- Applicant and project team capacity, including relevant experience and expertise — 20%
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, including consultation and participation of equity-deserving communities — 5%
How to apply
1
Review Eligibility and Program Guidelines
- Read the complete Business Intelligence Program guidelines thoroughly.
- Check your organization and project eligibility as per the sections provided in the guidelines.
2
Account Registration and Login
- Visit .
- Register for a new user account or log in if you have an existing account.
- Consult the "How to Get Started" guide on the Ontario Creates website if needed.
3
Start a New Application
- Select “Start new application” within the OAP portal.
- Follow the five-step wizard to access the application form.
4
Contact Ontario Creates Research Department
- Verify eligibility of your organization and project by contacting the Research Department.
- Obtain any necessary input on your application.
5
Complete and Save Application
- Input all required information into the application form.
- Upload supporting documents as instructed.
- Save any changes as you progress through the application.
6
Submit Application
- Review the completed application for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure submission before the 5:00 pm deadline on the scheduled date.
- Submit the application through the OAP.
7
Retain Confirmation
- Receive confirmation upon successful submission of your application.
- Keep the confirmation for your records and follow any additional instructions received.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a competitive process and funding is not guaranteed.
- Ontario Creates may request clarification on the application or budget, and may request project design changes before contracting.
- Ontario Creates will confirm its participation within eight weeks of the application deadline.
- If approved, the applicant must finalize project financing and sign an agreement with Ontario Creates within 60 days.
- Ontario Creates reviews draft and final study materials before public release.
Additional information
- Primary research and data collection are prioritized.
- Use of AI in the application or project should be disclosed in the application form.
- Successful applicants must make the final report public in an accessible format.
- Up to $500 per application may be available for accessibility-related application support if requested at least four weeks before the deadline.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program Program
What is the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program?
Supports incorporated not-for-profit industry organizations with funding covering up to 75% of project costs for business intelligence initiatives in Ontario’s creative industries. Eligible activities include gathering, analyzing and disseminating market data, industry insights and strategic intelligence that address existing information gaps.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program program, you must:
Incorporated not-for-profit organization
Project addresses an information gap
Respectful workplace process required
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program?
Gathering and disseminating business intelligence for Ontario creative sectors
Market research on consumers, segments or geographic markets
Analysis or interpretation of existing data and statistics
Strategic research to help content-creating companies address challenges and opportunities
Industry research that fills existing information gaps
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program?
You can contact Ontario Creates by email at research@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-314-6858.
Where is the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program available?
The Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program is a Grant and Funding