Artist Grants: 130 Grants, Loans & More for Artist Entrepreneurs

You read that right – there are 130 artist grants, loans and more for artistic professionals and arts and culture-based corporations and non-profits!

While most of the programs are grants, there are loans, wage subsidies, investment programs, and tax credits you could pile onto those grant programs to save yourself even more money and realize your dream, purpose, or goal.

It doesn’t matter what your discipline, there’s a little bit of everything, from music to digital gaming to books, so grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in to read through and see how many of these programs you can make work for you.

What is an Artist Grant?

The Government of Canada defines a grant as:

a transfer payment subject to pre-established eligibility and other entitlement criteria. A grant is not subject to being accounted for by a recipient nor normally subject to audit by the department. The recipient may be required to report on results achieved.

So, an artist grant is:

  • A non-repayable transfer payment that is available to artistic businesses;
  • Subject to specific eligibility criteria; and
  • May or may not need to be reported on.

What Can Artist Grants Be Used For?

Artist grants can be used to pay for many aspects of starting or running a business. Here are some of the uses that are covered by programs in our grants database:

  • Working capital for your Arts Business
  • Marketing
  • Train your Employees and Develop your Arts Skills
  • Research & Development for your Arts Business
  • Expand your Arts Business

And that’s just a sample! See the section below with a complete list of artist grants available.

How Much Grant Money Can I Get for My Arts-Based Business?

In our database we currently have grants ranging from $3,000 to $100,000.

Am I Eligible for an Artist Grant? Common Eligibility Criteria

Two of the most common questions we get asked at Ontario Business Grants are “Am I eligible?” and “How do I qualify?”.

We analyzed the artist grants in our grants database, and these are the most common qualifications we identified:

  • Be an artist
  • Be an art professional
  • Be an artistic group or collective
  • Be a for-profit organization

Note: these are just the most common eligibility criteria – there are many grants with different requirements.

Artist Grants for Ontario: Current Grants Available

In the table below we list the grants currently available to Ontario artist entrepreneurs.

To learn more about each program, just click the program name and you’ll be taken to a web page that provides detailed information on the program, including eligibility, the dollar amount of the program, and how to apply for the grant:

Grants for Ontario Artist Entrepreneurs

Name of ProgramAmountType
CDAP Grow Your Business Online: Quick Guide for Entrepreneurs$2400Grant
Telefilm Canada - Export Assistance Program $90000 Grant
Telefilm Canada - International Promotion Program $40000 Grant
Musicaction - Musical Showcases: Show Recording Component$20000 Grant
Musicaction - Musical Showcases: International Showcase and Tour Component$30000 Grant
Musicaction - Musical Showcases: National Tour Component$24000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts - Short-Term Projects Component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples $100000 Grant
Telefilm Canada - Theatrical Documentary Program no fixed amountGrant, Loan, Investment
Canada Council for the Arts - Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Across Canada$30000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts - Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Abroad$30000 Grant
Canada Media Fund - Sector Development: Accessibility Support$2500.00 Grant
Livres Canada Books - Foreign Rights Marketing Assistance Programno fixed amountGrant
Livres Canada Books - Mentoring – Funding Support Programno fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Video no fixed amountGrant
Canada Media Fund (CMF) - Convergent Stream - Anglophone Minority Incentive $900000 Grant
FACTOR Collective Initiatives - Showcase Production for Export-Ready Artists no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Sound Recording no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Marketing no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Marketing no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Sound Recording no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Radio Marketing $5000 Grant
Canada Media Fund (CMF) - Convergent Stream - Versioning Program no fixed amountGrant
Ontario Creates - Ontario Music Investment Fund - Music Creation$200000Grant
Ontario Creates - Ontario Music Investment Fund - Live Music125000Grant
Ontario Creates - Interactive Digital Media Fund - Production and Concept Definition$300000Grant
Ontario Arts Council - Touring Projects75000Grant
Ontario Arts Council - Publishing Organizations: Operatingno fixed amountGrant
Ontario Arts Council - Northern Arts Projects$15000Grant
Ontario Arts Council - Music Organizations Operatingno fixed amountGrant
Telefilm Canada – Promotion Program – Industry Initiatives Streamno fixed amountGrant
Canada Council for the Arts - Travel Component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples $30000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts - Small-Scale Activities Component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples$3000 Grant
Telefilm Canada - Theatrical Exhibition Program no fixed amountGrant
Bell Fund - TV Program - Selective$250000 Grant
Bell Fund - Short Form Digital Series$200000 Grant
Bell Fund - TV Program - Major Production Funder Envelope$250000 Grant
Canada Media Fund - Convergent Stream: First Come, First Served Programs: English Regional Production Bonus$1000000.00Grant
Canada Media Fund - Convergent Stream: First Come, First Served Programs: Francophone Minority Program: Development$1400000.00 Grant, Investment
Canada Media Fund - Convergent Stream: First Come, First Served Programs: Indigenous Program: Development and Predevelopment$200000.00 Grant, Investment
Canada Media Fund - Convergent Stream: First Come, First Served Programs: POV Program (French round 2)no fixed amountGrant, Investment
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - Cultural Supports Program: Film & Television Stream $2000000 Grant
Kingston Economic Development Corporation - Queen's Career Apprenticeship$4000 Grant
Musicaction - Musical Showcases: National Showcase Component$15000 Grant
Musicaction - Music Video$15000 Grant
WomensNet's Amber Grant Foundation -Business Category Monthly and Year-end Grants$25000Grant
Musicaction - International Collective Promotion$50000 Grant
SOCAN Foundation - TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship$3000 Incubator, Grant
The Innovation Studio at The Creative School (Toronto Metropolitan University) - Future Makers Incubation Grant$2000Grant, Incubator
Musicaction - International Marketing: Exploration of a Target Market$25000 Grant
Musicaction - International Event$60000 Grant
Musicaction - Canvassing$10000 Grant
Musicaction - International Marketing: Career Development in a Target Market$50000 Grant
Canadian Heritage – Local Journalism Initiativeno fixed amountGrant
Canada Council for the Arts – Translation Component of Arts Across Canada$25000Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Support Organizations Component of Supporting Artistic Practiceno fixed amountGrant
Canada Council for the Arts – Sector Innovation and Development – Project Grants Component of Supporting Artistic Practice$100000Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Public Outreach: Project Grants and Composite Grants Component of Arts Across Canada100000Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Literary Publishers Component of Supporting Artistic Practice$300000Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Indigenous Organizations Component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples$100000Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Co-Productions Component of Arts Abroad$50000Grant
Ontario Arts Council - Artist-Presenter Collaboration Projects$30000Grant
Telefilm Canada – Promotion Program: Reopening Fund – Open Access Stream$7500Grant
Telefilm Canada – Promotion Program – Limited Edition Streamno fixed amountGrant
Telefilm Canada - Promotion Program – General Admission Stream$5000Grant
EURIMAGES – European Cinema Support Fund and Telefilm Canada - Exhibition Supportno fixed amountGrant
Canada Council for the Arts – Translation Component of Arts Abroad$20000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Concept to Realization Component of Explore and Create: Project and Composite Grants$100000 Grant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Tour Support $35000 Grant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Showcase $7500.00 Grant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Video no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Radio Marketing $5000 Grant
FACTOR - Marketing and Promotion for Non- FACTOR-Funded Sound Recordings - Marketing no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Marketing and Promotion for Non- FACTOR-Funded Sound Recordings - Video no fixed amountGrant
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce - Economic Development Fund: Event Support Stream$2000 Grant
FACTOR - Marketing and Promotion for Non- FACTOR-Funded Sound Recordings - Radio Marketing $5000 Grant
FACTOR - Sponsorship Program $30000 Grant
TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario – London Innovation Challenge$40000 Grant, In-Kind Support
FACTOR - Video Program $40000 Grant
FACTOR - Envelope Funding for Music Companies $600000 Grant
City of Windsor - Development Charges Grant Programno fixed amountGrant
City of Windsor - Small Business Investment Grant Programno fixed amountGrant
City of Windsor - Business Retention and Expansion Grant Programno fixed amountGrant
City of Windsor - Business Development Grant Programno fixed amountGrant
Ontario Creates -Film Fund – Marketing and Distribution Initiative (MDI) (2022)$25000Grant
Ontario Creates – Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund – Discoverability and Commercialization Program (2022)$50000Grant
SOCAN Foundation – Professional Development Assistance Program$1500Grant
SOCAN Foundation – Travel Assistance ProgramNo Fixed AmountGrant
Business Innovation (Canada Periodical Fund, Start-up Projects) – Canadian Heritage (2022)$5000Grant
Canadian Heritage - Business Innovation – Canada Periodical Fund (CPF)$75000Grant
SOCAN Foundation – Canadian Music AssistanceNo Fixed AmountGrant
SOCAN Foundation – Work Commissioning Assistance Grant $ 3000.00 Grants
Canada Media Fund - Convergent Stream - International Coproduction and Codevelopment Incentives no fixed amountGrant
Canada Media Fund - Experimental Stream - Accelerator Partnership Program $30000 Accelerator, Grant

How to Apply for Artist Business Grants: Follow These 6 Steps

 While the application steps for artist grant programs vary, here are some common steps:

  1. Research all options: there are many funding programs for various purposes, industries, and demographic groups. It’s important to find out what is available to boost your chances of getting a grant.
  2. Zero in on grants that align with your business goals: When it comes to deciding whether to apply for a grant, eligibility is the most important factor. Focusing on grant programs that you’re most likely to win will save time and effort.
  1. Reach out to the grant agencies: The people giving out the money understand the requirements best. To get a clearer understanding of your chances of winning the grant, reach out to the grant agency.
  1. Organize your plan: Draft a one-page grant application abstract to be included in your plan for the grant application.
  1. Gather your documents: You’ll need a variety of documents when applying for a grant. Prepare these documents ahead of time for submission to the grant agency.
  1. Submit an exceptional application: Make sure you follow all grant application requirements, so your application isn’t immediately rejected.

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    1. Go beyond grants: There are many other types of funding available to businesses besides grants, including low-interest loans, wage subsidies, tax incentives, business competitions, start-up incubators and accelerators, crowdfunding, and many more.

    Other Types of Funding for Artists Entrepreneurs

    Our goal is for this guide to be a complete source of funding information for Arts-based businesses. So, in this section you’ll find all the other money programs (besides grants) that are available to Artist entrepreneurs:

    • Loans for Artist Entrepreneurs

    There are a number of loans available for artist entrepreneurs, provided largely by non-profit organizations. In the table below you’ll find a sample of the loans available:

    Loans for Artist Entrepreneurs

    • Subsidies for Artist Entrepreneurs

    A subsidy is a type of financial assistance usually provided by the government to promote a social good or an economic policy. Wage subsidies are the most common subsidies.

    In the table below you’ll find the subsidies currently available for artist entrepreneurs:

     Subsidies for Artist Entrepreneurs

    • Tax Credits for Artist Businesses

    A tax credit reduces the tax that a business pays on its taxable income. Below is a sample of the tax credits available:

    Tax Credits for Artist Businesses

    • Investments for Artist Businesses

    An investment is a contribution of funds to a business in exchange for equity (i.e., ownership in the business).

    Investments are typically made by angel investors, venture capitalists, and private equity organizations, but in some cases federal government organizations (such as the Business Development Bank of Canada) also makes equity investments in businesses.

    In the table below you’ll find some investment programs currently available:

    Investment Programs for Artist Businesses

    • Competitions for Artist Businesses

    A business competition is a contest where entrepreneurs and start-ups present their business plans to a panel of judges for the chance to win prizes and/or funding. These contests are typically organized by universities, government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.

    In the table below you’ll find business competitions currently available:

    Business Competitions/Contests for Artist Businesses

    Name of ProgramAmountType
    Haltech Regional Innovation Centre – Hi5 Pitch Competition $ 5000.00 Competition
    • Accelerators for Artist Businesses

    A business accelerator is a program that helps start-up companies grow and scale their businesses quickly by providing mentorship, training, and resources. Accelerators are typically run by experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

    In the table below you’ll find some business accelerator programs currently available:

    Business Accelerators for Artist Businesses

    Name of ProgramAmountType
    Canada Media Fund - Experimental Stream - Accelerator Partnership Program $30000 Accelerator, Grant
    • In-Kind Support for Artist Businesses

    In-kind support for businesses typically involves services that are provided at no charge to businesses (usually start-ups) and are often provided by non-profit and government-affiliated organizations.

    In-kind support includes services ranging from free office space to mentorship to networking and introductions to potential investors. 

    In the table below you’ll find some in-kind support programs currently available:

    In-Kind Support for Artist Businesses

    Best Artist Business Grants, Subsidies & More

    While there are lots of good programs available, below we highlight some of the best grants, subsidies & more for Artist entrepreneurs:

    Best Artist Government Grants

    Canada Council for the Arts – Concept to Realization Component of Explore and Create: Project and Composite Grants

    The Concept to Realization component of Explore and Create supports the full creative cycle– from the initial idea through to presentation, at any stage of the creative continuum. Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organizations can apply to create projects intended for presentation. Grants provide support for artistic research, creation, project development, remounts, production post-production and presentation.

    Canada Council for the Arts – Sector Innovation and Development: Project Grants Component of Supporting Artistic Practice

    The Sector Innovation and Development component of Supporting Artistic Practice provides grants to projects by Canadian and First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups, and organizations. These projects must grow and improve the arts sector

    Canada Council for the Arts – Short-Term Projects Component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples

    The Short-Term Projects component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing provides support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives and arts/culture organizations for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months.

    Ontario Arts Council (OAC) – Northern Arts Projects

    The Northern Arts Projects program supports the creation, production and presentation of artwork; professional development; and community arts engagement initiatives that benefit communities in Northern Ontario. The program has four categories:

    • New works: to help cover the costs of creation and production of new works in all artistic disciplines;
    • Presentation: to help cover the costs of presenting artistic work;
    • Skills/Career development: for artists to undertake skills and career development projects and for groups presenting projects that will benefit northern Ontario artists;
    • Working with community: to help cover the costs of community-engaged arts projects.
    Ontario Arts Council (OAC) – Touring Projects

    The Touring Projects program supports Ontario-based professional artists/curators, ad hoc groups/collectives and arts organizations to tour performances, exhibitions, screenings and readings for public audiences within Ontario, nationally and internationally. The work(s) being toured must be created and performed by professional artists.

    Best Artist Non-profit Grants

    FACTOR – Comprehensive Artist – Sound Recording

    Comprehensive Artist is a full-length sound recording program accessible to artists rated 3 and eligible record labels. This program funds a portion of the cost of production or acquisition of an original full-length sound recording and contributes to the marketing and promotion of that Sound Recording under the Marketing, Tour Support, Showcase, Video and Radio Marketing components.

    Funding under the Sound Recording component must always be used to produce a qualifying album, and under some programs, to license an already produced but unreleased qualifying album.

    FACTOR – Comprehensive Artist – Marketing

    Funding under the Marketing component can be used to support a range of activities in the marketing and promotion of a qualifying album. FACTOR-funded full-length sound recordings are qualifying albums.

    FACTOR – Marketing and Promotion for Non- FACTOR-Funded Sound Recordings – Marketing

    The Marketing component funding supports a range of activities in the marketing and promotion of a qualifying album. FACTOR-funded full-length sound recordings are qualifying albums.

    FACTOR – Video Program

    The Video program contributes to the cost of producing original music videos for eligible Canadian sound recordings by artists rated 2 and 3.

    Musicaction – International Marketing: Career Development in a Target Market

    The Career Development in a Target Market component aims to support the efforts made to develop an artist’s career by supporting promotional activities and shows, when the artist or the sound recording, in support of the project, is linked with less a recognized professional structure in the target market.

    Musicaction – Music Video

    The Music Video program’s objective is the production of music videos aimed at optimizing the offer and promotion of Canadian musical content. It is intended for all Canadian companies and artists linked to a recognized distributor who wishes to produce a music video for a piece in French vocal music or other music (world music, jazz, instrumental and classical).

    Musicaction – Musical Showcases: National Showcase Component

    The National Showcase component aims to support artists from the Canadian Francophonie, from Francophone minority communities, selected by an event in order to present an official paid or unpaid showcase in front of professionals.

    SOCAN Foundation – Work Commissioning Assistance Grant

    The Work Commissioning Assistance Grant is provided to assist individuals, corporations, performers, ensembles, and presenters to commission SOCAN members to create new works in all genres of music.

    Best Non-Profit Subsidies for Artist Entrepreneurs

    FACTOR – Comprehensive Artist – Tour Support

    Funding under the Tour Support component provides support for the eligible costs associated with tours.

    FACTOR – Marketing and Promotion for Non- FACTOR-Funded Sound Recordings – Tour Support

    Funding under the Tour Support component assists Canadian artists by subsidizing a portion of the cost of touring in Canada and abroad.

    The Bottom Line

    There’s a plethora of financial support out there for arts and cultural organizations and individuals. You can be a for-profit corporation, a non-profit or charity, or professional artist, municipality, or group. The options are almost endless!

    Whether you need to develop a project or product, market it, introduce it to the public at home or abroad, research business opportunities, or more, you can find a funding program to help you. You’ll even find plenty of tax credits.

    And the best part? Depending on your purpose, you can even look around at some of the general funding programs for businesses and put together a bundle of funding to help you realize your artistic goals.

    So go ahead, practice your art, bring some beauty, understanding, and compassion to the world, and get some money for doing it.

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