Open Call: Music BC Business Travel Grant (Canada)

Funding Information

• Grant contributions are limited to 75% of the total eligible expenses, less GST/HST, and to a maximum of $2,000 CAD per application.
• Applicants must claim all confirmed guarantees, contract fees, confirmed government grants or additional funding sources (e.g., FACTOR, Creative BC, SOCAN, Canada Council, etc.) Public funding 2 sources from any source or other public agency – in combination with their Music BC contribution – may equal but not exceed 75% of the eligible project expenses (Less GST/HST).

Eligible Expenses

• Airfare (economy-rate flights)
• Ground travel (cabs, uber, train, ferry, parking, etc.)
• Accommodation (max $300 per room, per night)
• Per diems at a max of $100 per representative per day
• Event registration fees (purchased directly from the festival/event)
• Communication expenses (phone, mail, and data charges directly related to this initiative)
• Fuel
• Vehicle rental
• If using own vehicle, per km vehicle rate is allowed at $.58/km. Please note this rate includes fuel, so no additional gas receipts may be submitted. Include a breakdown of km driven.
• Travel Insurance
• Company promotional materials

Ineligible Expenses

• Costs related to the production/presentation of live music
• Costs related to the production/recording of music
• Costs associated with the production of receptions, mixers, networking events, luncheons, award shows, fundraisers, galas, and parties
• Costs related to an individual designated as essential crew in a Tour or Showcase application for the same event or trip
• Costs associated with independently organized songwriting trips
• Monetary value of airline tickets or upgrades purchased with points
• Capital purchases
• Alcohol
• Operating costs including rent, utilities, regular maintenance, corporate overhead, or salaries
• Subscriptions, membership fees, or recurring expenses
• Expenses paid in cash
• In-kind expenses or donated services
• Grant writing fees, legal fees, management fees, business registration fees, or fees for financial statements
• Repeat trips within a three-month period to the same city
• Major expenses not included in the approved budget and incurred prior to Music BC approval

Eligible Activities

• Eligible travel activities include attending music industry conferences and trade missions at recognized industry festivals and events that are occurring at least 300 km, or roughly 4 hours outside of the company or individual’s geographical area.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applications must name one company representative as the applicant; however, funding is limited to two company representatives per application.
• Applicants may submit a maximum of two (2) applications per deadline (including applications to the Artist Travel Grant program).
• Applicants must be representing for-profit companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships.
• The Company’s headquarters must reside within and pay taxes in B.C., while the purpose of The Company must be to predominately support B.C.-based talent.
• No more than 50% of Company representatives listed on an application may reside outside of B.C.; those who are B.C.-based must have held a B.C. address for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application.
• The Company must have been in operation for at least two years or have key personnel with a minimum of two years of experience.
• Music BC reserves the right to request proof of residency, citizenship, and business registration, and to assess each application on a case-by-case basis as required.
• Artists may also apply under the business travel grant program if they are traveling for business development purposes and not for performing or showcasing.

For more information, visit Music BC.