Please thoroughly review the information below in addition to the AcceleratiON program guidelines.

We strongly encourage applicants to attend the Ontario Creates Webinar (see date and registration details below) and/or contact the Ontario Music Office in advance of applying.

DEADLINE

Thursday, November 28th 2024 at 5:00 PM ET

For activities taking place between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants must be:

• Self-identifying Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses that generate the majority of their revenue from music-based activities;*
• Incorporated or a registered business (with a Master Business Licence);
• In operation for a minimum of one year; and
• A legal resident of Canada, and must have been a resident of Ontario for at least one year at the time of application.

Businesses and organizations that have received support through any other Ontario Creates investment program are not eligible for AcceleratiON. Indigenous-owned businesses may request an exception to this stipulation provided that their AcceleratiON activities focus on capacity-building for Indigenous music professionals (emerging or experienced). This may include activities designed to attract new entrants to the music industry or support more experienced professionals in “leveling up”. Applicants considering this exception must contact the Ontario Music Office at least 2 weeks ahead of the deadline to discuss.

Self-Identification:

• Black: people who trace their roots to Sub-Saharan Africa, including those with origins in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America
• Indigenous: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples

For applicants with more than one owner, at least 50% of the ownership must identify as Black or Indigenous.

* Examples of eligible music businesses include: record labels, music publishers, artist managers, concert promoters, festival presenters, booking agents, recording studios, music production businesses, podcasters & owners of original content platforms, music publicists, and music marketing businesses. Artist-entrepreneurs that are expanding their vision to incorporate any of the above business models (beyond their solo/group’s career) may also be considered.

FUNDING AVAILABLE

Funding is available in the form of a direct grant. 

Minimum requested amount: $2,500
Maximum requested amount: $20,000

Spending must be incurred between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Please review the AcceleratiON Guidelines for more details on eligible activities and costs.

The program is a time-limited initiative, subject to available funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applicants must submit their applications electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca.
• Applicants that do not have a user account on OAP should go to https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/ and click on “Register.” For assistance, please see the “OAP Quick Start Guide”.
• For technical assistance, please contact the OAP Helpdesk at applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early to allow ample time to compile and complete the necessary information. The application can be worked on over time and information can be saved as it is entered. Once saved, information may be added/edited until the time when the application is submitted.

All requested documentation must be submitted by the program deadline. The Ontario Music Office is not obligated to follow-up with applicants to request missing documentation.

Late applications will not be considered for funding. Prior discussion with Ontario Creates regarding the eligibility of an activity does not guarantee funding.

INFORMATION SESSION

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to watch the recording below from the recent Ontario Creates Information Session.

Watching the Information Session is not a substitute for reading the guidelines. Please read the guidelines.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

The AcceleratiON guidelines contain an overview of the information that is required to be submitted with an application, however, the application itself can only be submitted via the OAP.

You must have a user account in order to access the full application form. In order to set up a user account, please visit https://apply.ontariocreates.ca and click on “Register.” For assistance, please see the “OAP Quick Start Guide”.

Please start the application process at least two weeks ahead of the deadline in order to allow ample time to complete the registration process, compile the required application materials and complete the application questions.

ENQUIRIES

AcceleratiON Program Coordinator
Phone: 416-572-0436
acceleratiON@ontariocreates.ca

Enquiries regarding the Online Application Portal (OAP) should be directed to applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca.