Marketing Grants: 75 Funding Programs to Promote Your Ontario Business

Marketing is obviously a crucial component of any business – from marketing research to advertising, most businesses can’t survive without it.

And governments in Canada understand that. Which is why there are dozens of marketing grants, loans, and other types of funding available to businesses in Ontario and across Canada.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the best marketing grants (and other funding programs) that are available right now.

What Can Marketing Grants Be Used For?

Marketing 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:

  • Covering expenses supporting a wide range of marketing and promotional activities
  • Developing the commercialization of new innovations and promoting innovative business growth
  • Covering expenses for the dissemination, exhibition, presentation, and distribution of works of art
  • Marketing of your niche or retail products

See the section below with a complete list of business grants available for marketing.

How Much Grant Money Can I Get for Marketing My Business?

In our database we currently have marketing grants ranging from $5,000 to $5,000,000.

Am I Eligible for a Marketing 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 marketing grants in our grants database, and these are the most common qualifications we identified:

  • Be businesses seeking out new opportunities in the market
  • Have their head office in Canada and carry out their activities in Canada
  • Be for-profit organizations, registered and incorporated in Canada

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

Marketing Grants for Ontario: Current Grants Available

In the table below we list the marketing grants currently available to Ontario businesses.

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:

Marketing Grants for Ontario Businesses

Name of ProgramAmountType
AgriRisk Initiatives (ARI) Program: Quick Guide for Farmers$5000000Grant & Loan
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 - Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Across Canada$30000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts - Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Abroad$30000 Grant
Livres Canada Books - Mentoring – Funding Support Programno fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Marketing no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Music Company - Marketing no fixed amountGrant
FACTOR - Comprehensive Artist - Radio Marketing $5000 Grant
Ontario Creates - Ontario Music Investment Fund - Music Creation$200000Grant
Telefilm Canada – Promotion Program – Industry Initiatives Streamno fixed amountGrant
Natural Resources Canada – Energy Innovation Program - Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program5000000Grant
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
Telefilm Canada - Theatrical Exhibition Program no fixed amountGrant
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - INVEST North Program: Innovation Stream $2000000 Grant
WomensNet's Amber Grant Foundation -Marketing Grantno fixed amountGrant, In-Kind Support
NORCAT - Innovation Acceleration Program$10000 Accelerator, Grant
Musicaction - Musical Showcases: National Showcase Component$15000 Grant
Musicaction - Music Video$15000 Grant
Musicaction - International Collective Promotion$50000 Grant
SOCAN Foundation - TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship$3000 Incubator, Grant
Musicaction - International Marketing: Exploration of a Target Market$25000 Grant
Musicaction - International Marketing: Career Development in a Target Market$50000 Grant
Canada Council for the Arts – Public Outreach: Project Grants and Composite Grants Component of Arts Across Canada100000Grant
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
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
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - INVEST North Program: Investment – Locate Stream $5000000 Grant, Loan
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 - Radio Marketing $5000 Grant
Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation (BSEGC) – BTIF Program (2022)$25000Grant
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), Advancing Beekeeper Business Capacity (2022)$3500Grant
Ontario Creates -Film Fund – Marketing and Distribution Initiative (MDI) (2022)$25000Grant
Ontario Creates – Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund – Discoverability and Commercialization Program (2022)$50000Grant
Government of Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry -Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) – Collaboration Projects (2022)$3000000Grants
Government of Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) – Business Projects (2022)No Fixed AmountGrant/Loan
Waubetek Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP) (2022)$250000.00Grant
Government of Ontario, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) – Grassroots Growth Program: Grassroots Growth Initiative (2022)No Fixed AmountGrant
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) – Next Level Program (2022)$10000Grants
CanExport SMEs: Quick Program Guide for Entrepreneurs$50000Grant
Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) – Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program (REGI) – FedNor$500000Grant & Loan
Canadian Dairy Commission - Matching Investment Fund (MIF)$150000Grant
SOCAN Foundation – Canadian Music AssistanceNo Fixed AmountGrant
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) – Capacity Building ProgramNo Fixed AmountGrant
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) (formerly NWOIC) – Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund$5000 Investment
Government of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Canada Pavilion ProgramNo fixed AmountGrant
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - INVEST North Program: Investment - Launch Stream $200000 Grant
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - INVEST North Program: Investment – Grow Stream $1000000 Grant, Loan

Other Types of Marketing Funding for Ontario Businesses

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

Marketing Loans for Ontario Businesses

  • Government Marketing Loans for Ontario Businesses

A loan might not sound as good as a grant, but many marketing loans for businesses have a low interest rate. While they might not be free money, if you don’t qualify for a grant, a low-interest loan is probably the next best thing.

The programs below include government loans:

Government Marketing Loans for Ontario Businesses

  • Marketing Tax Credits for Ontario Businesses

A tax credit reduces the tax that a business pays on its taxable income.

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    Here are some marketing tax credits available for Ontario businesses:

    Marketing Tax Credits for Ontario Businesses

    • Marketing In-kind Support Programs for Ontario Businesses

    In-kind support refers to non-cash resources provided to support businesses. In kind-support can take various forms: access to coaching, mentorship, investors, logistical and technical resources (space, equipment, computers, internet and software, free testbed), training programs, business advice and counseling. Entrepreneurship centres, accelerators and incubators provide valuable in-kind support to new and existing entrepreneurs.

    Marketing In-Kind Support for Ontario Entrepreneurs

    Best Marketing Business Grants, Loans & More

    While there are lots of good programs available, below we highlight some of the best marketing grants, loans, tax credits & more for Ontario businesses:

    Best Government Marketing Grants for Ontario Businesses

    Canada Council for the Arts – Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Abroad

    The Representation and Promotion component of Arts Abroad provides grants for registered or incorporated Canadian arts organizations to represent Canadian artists and develop their presence internationally, and establish a place for Canadian arts practice in the global arts market. Grants are also available to foreign arts organizations that invite Canadian artists to present artistic works and to Canadian arts organizations that bring international buyers to Canada.

    Canada Council for the Arts – Representation and Promotion Component of Arts Across Canada

    The Representation and Promotion component of Arts Across Canada provides grants to Canadian registered or incorporated arts organizations that represent Canadian artists and regularly seek out new opportunities in the Canadian arts market.

    Canadian Heritage – Support for Publishers: Publishing Support – Canada Book Fund

    Only Canadian book publishers can take advantage of this one, though you can be for-profit, nonprofit, or a university press.

    Funding from this program is designed to help you produce, market, and distribute Canadian-written books. You can even apply for extra funding if your export sales qualify you for it.

    Could you use up to 75% of your expenses covered? Or 90% of your expenses for official-language minority publishers, Indigenous publishers, or small literary publishers? And how about 100% of your expenses if you’re a nonprofit?

    Since the answer is most likely yes, then apply now by filling out the application form and emailing it or bringing it to the program in person along with your supporting documents.

    Global Affairs Canada – CanExport SMEs

    Is increasing your international market opportunities on your wish list this year? Does it seem like expanding your export capacity is just too daunting?

    If you’re a Canadian SME with an exportation project in mind, then you’re in luck. This is the program for you.

    If you’re an LLP or are incorporated, have a CRA business number, less than 500 full-time employees, and claimed between $100,000 and $100 million in revenue last year, get your application in for this program.

    You could get funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for $10,000 to $50,000 in funding per project. The applicant is responsible for the remaining 50% of eligible project costs (in-kind contributions are not permitted)

    There are plenty of costs associated with international market development that are deemed eligible, such as travel, expert advice, market research, and taking part in trade fairs, so give this program a shot.

    Telefilm Canada – International Promotion Program

    This program, formerly the Participation in international festivals and events support program, offers financial support to Canadian producers, distributors, and sales with projects officially selected at an international festival, as well as producers invited to an international coproduction forum and to present a project as part of one of its international initiatives.

    The Program reflects Telefilm’s priority of supporting the Canadian film industry to achieve new levels of success by supporting the marketing and promotion of Canadian content and talent abroad.

    Ontario Creates – Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund – Discoverability and Commercialization Program

    The Discoverability and Commercialization Program replaces the Marketing Support program. The program is designed to increase the visibility and financial viability of projects that receive Production support through the IDM Fund.

    The Discoverability and Commercialization program is open to IDM Fund Production recipients for activities that take place during and/or after a product is made publicly available to an audience.

    Ontario Creates – Film Fund – Marketing and Distribution Initiative (MDI)

    The Marketing and Distribution Initiative (MDI) is intended to assist producers of Ontario Creates Film Fund supported projects to make a meaningful contribution to the domestic marketing and distribution of their projects leading up to and during their commercial release.

    Best Government Marketing Loans for Ontario Businesses

    Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Small Business Loan

    The Small Business Loan helps Canadian companies get fast financing to use to:

    • supplement cash flow (purchase equipment, software, or hardware without using cash they need for everyday activities),
    • sell online to increase sales (upgrade your website, purchase inventory, run marketing campaigns, hire a consultant),
    • cover expenses (pay suppliers, landlords, employees).
    Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Start-up Financing

    Business Development Canada should be the first place you go to for start-up financing because that’s what they do: invest in businesses.

    You’ll get better financing terms and more flexible terms, and they’re more likely to take a risk on you where a traditional lender quite often won’t. You can use the funds from this one to supplement your line of credit, to pay start-up fees, to pay for marketing, to buy assets, and more.

    Those better terms include more time to pay your loan back, the option to postpone capital payments at the beginning of your loan, and the option to pay it back early without penalty if you can.

    To qualify, you only have to be bringing in revenue for less than 12 months, have a good credit history and a solid business plan, be of the age of majority, make a reasonable financial investment in your newly established business, have experience or expertise in your field and a competent management team, show realistic market and sales potential, and show you have the key personality markers of a successful entrepreneur. That’s all!

    Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Working Capital Financing

    The Working Capital Loan helps Canadian businesses complement other lines of credit, launch growth projects (expand into new markets, develop new products, protect intellectual property, launch a marketing campaign) and improve profitability (pay suppliers upfront to get special discounts, obtain certification, train employees).

    Telefilm Canada – Marketing Program

    This program supports Canadian distribution and production companies looking to finance the marketing and distribution of their feature film project(s).

    Best Marketing Tax Credits for Ontario Businesses

    Ontario Creates and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC)

    This program is super simple and straightforward. If your Ontario-based corporation created an interactive digital media product, you could claim 40% of your eligible Ontario expenses on your corporate tax return if you developed and marketed your own product.

    Otherwise, you could claim 35% if you had a fee-for-service arrangement. Even digital game corporations can claim 35%.

    The lists of eligible expenditures and projects aren’t quite so succinct though, so read through carefully to see what qualifies and what doesn’t. Once you’ve made it through, though, and determined what you can claim, just ask Ontario Creates for a certificate of eligibility. Then you can file it with your corporate tax return for that year.

    Ontario Creates and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit (OBPTC)

    Book publishers in Ontario can find themselves with a 30% tax credit for all the eligible expenses included with publishing qualifying literary works in that tax year up to a maximum of $30,000 per work.

    For a publishing company to qualify for this program, you must be a Canadian-controlled corporation, run a book publishing business primarily in Ontario, not be exempt from tax under Part III of the Taxation Act, 2007 (Ontario), and not be controlled by the author of the literary work or by a person not dealing at arm’s length with the author.

    Best Non-profit Marketing Grants for Ontario Businesses

    Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) – Radio Starmaker Fund

    The Radio Starmaker Fund supports emerging artists with star potential from every region of Canada. The aim is to allocate funding in such a way that it has a direct impact on artists and supports their marketing and touring initiatives both in Canada and abroad in a way that will make a difference.

    FACTOR – Comprehensive Music Company – Marketing

    All Comprehensive Music Company Sound Recording component applications must include the creation or licensing of a new, previously unreleased qualifying album. The Marketing component funding supports a range of activities in the marketing and promotion of a qualifying album.

    Livres Canada Books – Foreign Rights Marketing Assistance Program (FRMAP)

    The Foreign Rights Marketing Assistance Program (FRMAP) fosters Canadian publishers’ export sales by providing cost-shared funding for export sales trips and participation in international book fairs and trade events.

    Musicaction – International Marketing: Exploration of a Target Market

    The Exploration of a Target Market component supports activities aimed, on the one hand, at the development and adaptation of artists on a target market, and on the other hand, at their travel to a targeted territory for the presentation of a show in front of foreign professionals or a performance tour, at least one performance of which takes place in front of professionals, with the aim of helping them to better integrate.

    Best Non-profit Marketing Loans for Ontario Businesses

    Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation (Nord-Aski REDC) – Small Business Loan Products: Ready Cash

    Nord-Aski REDC provides loans of up to $750,000 to area businesses who contribute to the creation and/or maintenance of long term employment in the communities it serves.

    Their Small Business Loan Products are:

    • Term Loans – for Business Start-up, Businesses Expansion, Asset Purchases, Working Capital and Consolidation of Business Debt.
    • ReadyCash – short-term loans for existing businesses to enhance promotional tools/marketing campaigns or increase the productivity of their business by refreshing/renewing equipment (photocopiers, computers, cash registers, etc.), make leasehold improvements, increase inventory, or help with their working capital.
    • FlexLine – flexible lines of credit, with no need to reapply for funds. Business & Financial Analysts will revise on a yearly basis.
    Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation (Wakenagun CFDC) – Wakenagun CFDC’s Investment Fund – Business Enhancement Loan

    Wakenagun CFDC’s Investment Fund – Business Enhancement Loan provides funding to businesses for marketing initiatives, promotional items, attendance at trade shows, staff training and certifications.

    Best Marketing Accelerator for Ontario Entrepreneurs

    Have a look at the accelerator program below! It provides both in-kind support and grant money.

    Accelerators

    NORCAT – Innovation Acceleration Program (IAP)

    If you’re looking for help in developing and commercializing an innovative product, service, or process that could increase sales and employment, and you’re a growth-oriented for-profit business registered as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation located within NORCAT Innovation’s service area, you could be eligible to receive funding through NORCAT’s Innovation Acceleration Program (IAP).

    As a registered NORCAT Innovation client, this program is designed to support early-stage technology startups in the City of Greater Sudbury and promote economic prosperity in the region. You could receive up to 50% of approved total eligible project costs or up to $10,000 per SME, whichever is less, in any given fiscal year.

    The program offers funding for a range of eligible projects, including sales and marketing, such as trade show exhibiting and travel, sales training, test marketing, e-commerce and promotions, and export market development.

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