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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. Last verified July 2, 2026.

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Closed, monitoring for reopeningMatching grantLast verified July 2, 2026

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. Please note that the application portal is currently closed. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.

How we verify funding records →

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, checked July 2, 2026

At a glance

Maximum supportup to $10,000 capped at 50% of a participating company’s eligible expenses
Issued byGovernment of Ontario, Ontario Creates
Administered byOntario Creates (specifically the Ontario Music Office for inquiries)
RegionOntario
Pre-approvalRequired before starting
Matching fundsYes, business contributes
Applications closedJune 18, 2025

Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.

Not sure if you qualify?

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Check your fit →

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

  • You are a restaurant, retail store, salon, clinic, or contractor, as this program is exclusively 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.

  1. 01Contact the Ontario Music Office at omo@ontariocreates.ca at least two weeks ahead of the deadline to discuss eligibility.
  2. 02Register for a user account on the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/.
  3. 03Prepare your Global Market Development Activity Budget using the provided template and draft your Activity Details and Plans.
  4. 04Gather required documents including Articles of Incorporation, Financial Statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years, and a Signed Applicant Affidavit.
  5. 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

How BBN Labs helps

  • BBN designs and coordinates production of marketing materials for your global trips, so your brand stands out at key industry events.
  • BBN builds digital assets and content for your audience development initiatives, helping you connect with new fans and buyers abroad.
  • BBN guides you through the application process and tracks eligible costs, so you don't lose the funding.

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?

If you qualify and apply before the budget runs out, approval is likely, but the intake is currently closed; the real risk is starting too early or missing the deadline.

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.

Related BBN services

What you can combine it with

Expenses already supported by other government agencies or industry associations are excluded; do not double-dip.

Worth reading before you apply

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Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.