Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) – Live Music
$125,000
Grant
Description:
The OMIF Live Music stream supports businesses and organizations that produce or promote live music events featuring Canadian artists, including eligible music festivals and concert series. The Live Music stream will provide funding to increase the number and quality of live music experiences (e.g. events, festivals and concerts*) that can be experienced by residents in and visitors to Ontario.
Comments on Funding:
Funding is available in the form of a direct grant:
– up to 50% towards the cost of eligible activities
– the maximum funding is 40% of the company’s two-year* average of total revenue to a maximum cap of $125,000. The minimum OMIF amount that can be requested is $10,000. Applicants must have minimum annual revenues of $25,000.
* Due to the potential negative impact that COVID-19 may have had on a company’s 2021 and 2020 revenue levels, Ontario Creates will consider calculating a company’s maximum OMIF request based on 40% of their three-year average revenue figure rather than a two-year average.
October 16, 2025 at 5:00PM ET
Eligibility:
Applicants must be:
1. Domestic Music Promoters and Presenters (including festivals) must have revenues under $1M.
2. Be Ontario-based;
3. Be in operation for at least two years prior to application;
4. Be able to demonstrate that the company’s principal place of business has been in Ontario for at least one year prior to the deadline;
5. Be Canadian-owned;
6. Be incorporated in Ontario or federally (or prepared to incorporate immediately if the
application is successful);
7. Be in a sound financial position;
8. Have minimum annual revenues of $25,000 from core business activities as a live music
presenter and/or promoter; and
9. Be in good standing with Ontario Creates at time of application submission.
Application Steps:
Applicants must:
1. contact the OMO at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline to discuss eligibility. Email inquiries to OMO@ontariocreates.ca (first time applicants);
2. submit their applications electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca;
3. create a user account on the OAP(go to https://apply.OntarioCreates.ca/ and click on “Register”);
4. contact the OAP Helpdesk at applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca, for technical assistance;
5. be strongly encouraged to begin the application process early to allow ample time to compile and complete the necessary information. The application may be worked on incrementally, saving information as it is entered. Once saved, it’s possible to go back and edit/add information up until the application is completed and ready to be submitted.
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Activity Budget (template provided);
2. Activity Details and Plans for each proposed activity (questions provided in OAP application);
3. Year-Over-Year Operating Budget;
a. for comparative purposes, this budget must include both actual revenues and expenses
for the previous fiscal period as well as a forecast of revenues and expenses that
correspond to the current fiscal year, and/or to the end of the applicant’s approved
eligibile activity window.
4. Business Plan (see below for requirements);
5. Articles of Incorporation;
6. Financial Statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years.
Note: Financial statements must be supplied within six months of the applicant’s fiscal year-end (e.g. applicants with a March 31 year-end are expected to provide 2024 and 2023 financial statements by the application deadline);
a. Internally-prepared statements will be accepted for applicants requesting $15,000 or
less (note: minimum request is $10,000). If funding is requested in more than one
stream, please note that this threshold applies to the total OMIF funding request from
all applications within the current funding cycle.
b. o At minimum, a Compilation Engagement Report of financial statements will be accepted
for applications requesting more than $15,000 and up to $150,000.
c. Review engagement or audited financial statements are required for applicants
requesting more than $150,000 in total OMIF funding, and must be conducted by an
independent public accountant.
7. Back-up confirmation to support confirmed or pending financing;
8. Signed Related Party Transaction form; and
9. Signed Applicant Affidavit.
Other Things to Note:
About the author
Maurice