The OMIF Music Futures stream invests in high performing music companies with growth potential to increase access, advance competitiveness, and accelerate success.

Music Futures provides funding to eligible record labels, music publishers, music management companies, and live music presenters/promoters (including festivals) to support business activities that are focused on: expanding artist rosters; investing in professional recording and production; increasing live music opportunities for artists in Ontario; advancing the calibre of live music experiences in Ontario; facilitating job creation; enhancing business capacity; and increasing and strengthening diversity within Ontario's music industry. OMIF investment will support competitive, evolving and innovative business models while enhancing company sustainability and workforce capacity. 

Funding is provided in the form of direct grants towards the costs of eligible activities. The Music Futures stream requires applicants to provide a financial contribution to ensure the province’s investment delivers maximum return. Applicants must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes which align with the objectives of this stream.

Deadlines

In the 2026-27 program year, there will be two application intakes and deadlines.

Intake 1: Now Open 

Deadline 1: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:00PM ET

For activities taking place between April 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027 (recipients will have a maximum 12-month eligible activity window within this period depending on the date of their first expenditure)

Intake 2 Applications Open: Week of July 27, 2026

Deadline 2: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:00PM ET

For activities taking place between August 1, 2026 and January 15, 2028 (recipients will have a maximum 12-month eligible activity window within this period depending on the date of their first expenditure)

AND 

For live music activities taking place between December 1, 2026, and November 30, 2027 (recipients will have a fixed 12-month spending window)

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Record Labels, Music Publishers, Music Management Companies, and Live Music Promoters and Presenters (including festivals) in addition to companies deriving revenue from any combination of these four applicant categories.

Full eligibility requirements can be found in the Music Futures Guidelines.

Note: companies can apply for export travel support through Global Market Development – Music.

Funding Available

Funding is available in the form of a direct grant.

• Eligible applicants may request up to 40% of their two-year average annual revenue to a maximum cap of $50,000 per funding cycle. The minimum funding request is $10,000.
• For requests of $25,000 or less, the OMIF contribution may not exceed 75% of the total approved budget.
• For requests over $25,000, the OMIF contribution may not exceed 50% of the total approved budget. 
• Applicants must have minimum annual revenues of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000 from eligible music business activities. 

NOTE: Full eligibility requirements and details can be found in the Ontario Creates Music Futures Guidelines. Please read the guidelines completely before beginning your application. Ontario Creates reserves the right to revise Guidelines and Application Forms. Please ensure that you have the current versions before preparing your documentation.

Application Process

IMPORTANT: First-time applicants are strongly encouraged contact the OMO at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline to discuss eligibility. Email inquiries to OMO@ontariocreates.ca.

• 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 Ontario Creates’ website for 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 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.

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 attend an upcoming Ontario Creates Information Session.

Please complete the online registration form by 5:00 pm ET on the day prior to the Information Session.

Attending an Information Session is not a substitute for reading the Guidelines. Please read the Guidelines.

Application Form/Online Application Portal

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the guidelines and Program Policies, and if necessary, register your company’s corporate information with the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP).

Enquiries

Program Coordinator, Music Futures
416-572-0436
OMO@ontariocreates.ca

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

To receive notification of upcoming deadlines and program updates, please register with your complete contact information, including your full name, company name and telephone number, as well as the name of the program that you are interested in.