Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed June 18, 2025). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
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Global Market Development for Music Managers
Recover up to 50% of your eligible market development costs, capped at $10,000, through this Ontario Creates matching grant. The intake closed on June 18, 2025. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“Global Market Development for Music Managers will provide up to $10,000 capped at 50% of a participating company’s eligible expenses to engage in business travel and market development activities between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026 as part of a comprehensive export development plan.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The intake deadline was June 18, 2025, and is now closed; monitor Ontario Creates for future rounds, and never spend money before receiving written approval.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an Ontario-based music management company incorporated in Ontario or federally.
- You have been operating for at least two years and manage a roster of at least two artists, with at least half being Canadian.
- You generate at least $25,000 in annual revenue from core management activities and need support for specific international or national market trips.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is not a music management company. This program is only for music management companies.
- You are an individual artist or a record label, since you must be a management company guiding professional careers.
- You need funding for hospitality, entertainment, or core business costs like business cards, which are explicitly excluded.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Up to $10,000, which covers 50% of your eligible expenses.
What may be supported
- Attendance at key industry markets and events
- Global audience development initiatives
- Planned sales and business trips to key territories
- Participation in trade missions organized by industry associations
- Design and production of marketing materials specifically for proposed activities
What's excluded or restricted
- hospitality and entertainment costs
- core business costs such as design and printing of business cards
- communications costs such as mobile phone fees, long distance fees, etc.
- costs associated with ineligible company representatives and additional representatives over and above the cap for this program
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a detailed Global Market Development Activity Budget, activity plans, and financial statements, then submit via the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal.
- 01Contact the Ontario Music Office at omo@ontariocreates.ca at least two weeks ahead of the deadline to discuss eligibility.
- 02Register for a user account on the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/.
- 03Prepare your Global Market Development Activity Budget using the provided template and draft your Activity Details and Plans.
- 04Gather required documents including Articles of Incorporation, Financial Statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years, and a Signed Applicant Affidavit.
- 05Submit your application electronically through the OAP, disclosing any use of AI technology in the application or project content.
Who to ask: omo@ontariocreates.ca
Documents commonly required
- Global Market Development Activity Budget (template provided)
- Activity Details and Plans
- Articles of Incorporation
- Financial Statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years
- Signed Applicant Affidavit
What to know before you count on it
- You must pay all costs upfront and claim reimbursement later; you need the cash flow to cover flights, hotels, and registration before getting paid.
- Approval must come before you spend; activities must occur between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, and money spent before approval does not count.
- The grant portion is generally taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your net revenue.
- There is a strict cap of five eligible program activities per application; expenses outside these activities are excluded.
What are your odds?
The intake closed on June 18, 2025. Watch Ontario Creates for a future round. If one opens, apply early and do not spend money before you get written approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim costs for hospitality and entertainment?
No, hospitality and entertainment costs are explicitly excluded from eligible expenses.
Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
Yes, you must be incorporated in Ontario or federally, or be prepared to incorporate immediately if successful.
What is the cap on hotel expenses?
Hotel expenses are capped at C$600 per night and must be moderate rates; approval is required at the application stage.
Can I use this grant for domestic travel?
Yes, domestic travel is eligible, with per diems capped at C$75 per day for meals and incidentals.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Expenses already supported by other government agencies or industry associations are excluded. You cannot claim the same cost twice.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.