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Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund
Funding for Ontario publishers to grow discoverability
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 1, 2026
Location
Ontario
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
Timeline
- Closing date : June 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural 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
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 campaigns to increase discoverability
Retail partnerships to expand reach
Audience research to improve sales efforts
Author tours
Subscription incentive initiatives
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