Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 2, 2026.
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OMIF — Music Creation
Grow your music business with a matching grant covering up to 50% of approved costs, capped at $200,000. Note that the intake is currently closed and you must pay expenses upfront to receive reimbursement later. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
“The OMIF contribution may not exceed 50% of the total approved budget.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE you spend or start; money spent early usually does not count, and the current intake deadlines (April 30, 2025 and September 11, 2025) have passed.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are an Ontario-based record label or music publisher that has been operating for at least two years.
- You generate at least $25,000 in annual revenue from core music business activities.
- You have the cash flow to pay for recording, video, or tour costs upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not in the music industry, such as a restaurant, retail store, or contractor.
- You are starting a new business, since applicants must have at least two years of operation history.
- You need immediate cash, because this program reimburses you after you have already paid the bills.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Up to 50% of your approved budget, capped at $200,000 per cycle or 40% of your two-year average annual revenue, whichever is lower.
What may be supported
- Recording, editing, mixing, and mastering of music performances at an Ontario facility.
- Video production for music videos or online marketing videos incurred in Ontario.
- Marketing and promotion activities for new recordings or online performances.
- Direct tour costs for artists signed to the applicant, including travel and technical services.
- Artist development activities focused on acquiring or registering copyrights.
What's excluded or restricted
- Expenses incurred outside of the approved activity period
- Expenses not in the original budget without pre-approval
- Costs relating to international artists
- Foreign producer fees
- Manufacturing fees
- Staff & labour costs not directly related to the activity
- Staff benefit costs
- Real estate costs and leasehold improvements
- Cost of alcoholic beverages or cannabis-related products
- Fees relating to compilation engagement report, review engagement, or audit
- Fees relating to procurement of services of grant writers
- Cost of General Liability insurance
- Taxes that are recoverable by the recipient
- Related party transactions without pre-approval
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must submit a detailed activity budget, business plan (if requesting $50k+), financial statements, and artist contracts through the Online Application Portal.
- 01Contact the Ontario Music Office at least two weeks before the deadline to discuss eligibility if you are a first-time applicant.
- 02Register for an account on the Online Application Portal at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca.
- 03Prepare your Activity Budget, Activity Details/Plans, Year-Over-Year Operating Budget, and Business Plan (if requesting $50k+).
- 04Gather required documents including Articles of Incorporation, Financial Statements for the two most recent years, and Artist contracts.
- 05Submit your application electronically through the OAP before the deadline.
- 06Wait for approval (approx. 14 weeks after deadline) before incurring any expenses.
Who to ask: For technical assistance: applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca. For eligibility discussions (first-time applicants): Contact the Ontario Music Office (OMO) at least two weeks ahead of deadline (specific phone/email not provided in text, but OMO is the contact point).
Documents commonly required
- Activity Budget and Activity Details/Plans
- Year-Over-Year Operating Budget
- Business Plan (if requesting $50,000 or more)
- Articles of Incorporation
- Financial Statements for the two most recent years
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your artist’s professional website and online store to sell music and merch directly, turning the grant’s marketing budget into a revenue engine that works while you tour.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and your Google Business Profile so fans find your studio or venue instantly, using the funded marketing costs to boost your visibility in Ontario.
- BBN launches digital marketing campaigns with paid ads and social media to promote new releases, designed to help your grant-funded promotion reach the right listeners.
- BBN produces your music videos and promotional video content, using the grant's funded video budget to create the visuals that grow your streams and social following.
What to know before you count on it
- You must pay the full cost first and claim your share back later, so you need strong cash flow up front.
- The program is competitive and budget-limited; if the pool runs out, you wait for the next round.
- The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income; ask your accountant.
- Strict eligibility rules apply, including a minimum $25,000 annual revenue from core music activities.
What are your odds?
Usually not a contest if you qualify and apply before the budget runs out, but the real risks are starting too early, an incomplete application, or the budget being committed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get paid before I start the project?
No. This is a matching grant. You must incur the eligible costs first, then claim your share back after approval and milestone reporting.
What if I am a self-releasing artist?
High potential self-releasing BIPOC and Francophone artist-entrepreneurs may be eligible for Domestic Record Label status under specific conditions. Contact the Ontario Music Office for details.
Are there fees to apply?
No application fee is published, but you must register for an account on the Online Application Portal.
What costs are excluded?
Excluded costs include expenses outside the approved period, international artist costs, foreign producer fees, manufacturing fees, staff benefits, real estate costs, and recoverable taxes like GST/HST.
Related BBN services
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What you can combine it with
Check if you can combine this with other Ontario Creates programs like Music Industry Initiatives or Global Market Development for Music Managers.
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.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.