Closed
Record updated:
Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund
Funding for Ontario publishers to grow discoverability
Get notified when Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund reopens
Funding available
$ 150,000
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
A funding program for Ontario book and magazine publishers to support marketing and discoverability projects. Successful applicants can receive up to $150,000, or up to $15,000 for emerging publishers, for eligible marketing activities.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- From $ 20,000 to $ 1,500,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Marketing campaigns to increase discoverability
- Retail partnerships to expand reach
- Audience research to improve sales efforts
- Author tours
- Subscription incentive initiatives
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Financial statements for the required fiscal years
- Budget template
- Timeline and action plan
- Signed Applicant Affidavit
Sources and recorded changes
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Independent book publishers
- Independent magazine publishers
- Ontario-based publishers
- Canadian-owned and controlled publishing companies
Who is not eligible
- Publishers not based in Ontario
- Publishers not Canadian-owned and controlled
- Companies that are not primarily book or magazine publishers
- Publishers that are not actively publishing
Eligible expenses
- Marketing activities directly tied to the project
- Direct project staff costs
- Project-related services and outside expertise
- Project-related hardware and software, within limits
- Project-related direct expenses such as couriers, paper, and long-distance communications
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operational costs
- Costs incurred before the application was submitted
- Staff salaries not directly tied to the project
- Staff benefit costs
- General office, rent, mortgage, and hospitality expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Track record: 20%
- Feasibility and risks: 20%
- Opportunity: 25%
- Economic benefit: 35%
How to apply
- Step 1: Register in the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal
- Create or access a company account.
- Register corporate information in the portal.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the online form.
- Use the required budget template and timeline/action plan.
- Gather the required documents listed in the portal.
- Step 3: Submit online before the deadline
- Upload all required materials through the portal.
- Submit the application by the deadline.
- Step 4: Wait for review and decision
- Ontario Creates reviews the submission for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible files are assessed and decisions are communicated through the portal.
- Step 5: Complete post-approval requirements
- Accept the conditional award letter.
- Sign the funding agreement before receiving funds.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible applications are assessed by a jury of industry professionals and/or Ontario Creates.
- Applicants are notified of decisions within 16 weeks of the deadline.
- Successful applicants must accept a conditional award letter and sign a funding agreement before payment.
- Progress, interim, and final reports are required.
Additional information
- Ontario Creates requires a signed Respectful Workplace Affidavit.
- Applicants may request accessibility support for the application process.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge Ontario Creates support in project materials.
- This is a competitive program and funding is limited.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund Program
What is the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund?
A funding program for Ontario book and magazine publishers to support marketing and discoverability projects. Successful applicants can receive up to $150,000, or up to $15,000 for emerging publishers, for eligible marketing activities.
How much funding can be received?
Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund program?
To be eligible for the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund program, you must:
Ontario-based publisher
Canadian-owned and controlled
Actively publishing
What expenses are eligible under Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund?
Marketing activities directly tied to the project
Direct project staff costs
Project-related services and outside expertise
Project-related hardware and software, within limits
Project-related direct expenses such as couriers, paper, and long-distance communications
Who can I contact for more information about the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund?
You can contact Ontario Creates by email at programs2@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-642-6652.
Where is the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund available?
The Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund is a Grant and Funding