Deadline Date: March 25, 2026
The Business Foundations program provides grants to help growing music businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups in British Columbia expand networks, capacity, and infrastructure.
Aims + Objectives: Increase access to funding and reduce financial risk for those who experience barriers, invest in the development of growing music businesses, enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs to thrive in B.C.’s music industry, and foster new and existing networks, capacity, and infrastructure for B.C.’s vibrant and diverse music communities.
The Business Foundations program offers grants of up to $10,000 to support business operations and development activities, funding up to 100% of eligible expenses. The program is designed to help businesses sustain themselves and grow, supporting those who have been underrepresented and underserved by funding programs. Eligible applicants include small businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups in British Columbia’s music ecosystem. Eligible activities include a wide range of business operations, such as salaries, benefits, and fees for business owners, staff, and contractors, as well as operational expenses like rent, utilities, bookkeeping, and subscriptions.
Core business activities are also supported, including live event production costs, content creation, and master rights. Marketing and advertising, training and mentorship fees, consultant fees, and development of policies, procedures, and business plans are eligible. Travel directly related to the project is eligible, including travel to and from courses or training. The program also supports equipment purchases, technology, health and safety costs, renovations, and accessibility improvements. Grant writing fees of up to $300 are available for applicants with self-declared disabilities or English language barriers. Projects supported by this program must occur between January 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027.
To qualify, applicants must be small businesses in B.C. with majority ownership (51% or more) held by individuals who identify as Indigenous Peoples, Black, People of Colour, people living with disabilities, Deaf or hard of hearing people, or 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. All business owners must individually complete a self-identification form to demonstrate eligibility. This information is kept confidential and is used for eligibility verification and to contribute to aggregate statistics for understanding, promotion, and growth of the music industry.
For more information, visit Creative BC.
