Deadline: 01-Aug-2026
The Sector Development Grants program supports initiatives that strengthen Toronto’s creative industries by building sector capacity, encouraging innovation, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for entrepreneurs, organizations, and industry professionals. It focuses on long-term development of the creative ecosystem rather than direct artistic production.
The program prioritizes projects that enhance skills, foster collaboration, improve business sustainability, and expand opportunities for creative professionals locally and internationally.
Program Overview
- Supports development of Toronto’s creative industries
- Focuses on long-term sector growth and sustainability
- Builds capacity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in creative fields
- Encourages collaboration across sectors and industries
- Strengthens business networks and professional opportunities
- Expands access to local and international markets
- Supports equity-deserving and underrepresented communities
Key Focus Areas
- Skills development, learning, and ongoing training programs
- Innovation in business models and creative sector practices
- Cross-sector collaboration and interdisciplinary projects
- Research and knowledge-building initiatives for the sector
- Business networking and professional growth opportunities
- Out-of-market and international expansion opportunities
- Support for equity-deserving communities in creative industries
- Partnership development and ecosystem strengthening
Funding Details
- Typical grant range: CAD 2,500 to CAD 15,000
- Higher funding may be available for:
- Ongoing initiatives
- Projects with significant sector-wide impact
- Funding is designed to support structured, development-focused initiatives rather than production-based work
Eligible Activities
- Cross-sector collaboration projects
- Partnership development initiatives
- Business skills training for creative entrepreneurs
- Knowledge-sharing and sector research activities
- Programs supporting commercialization and business growth
- Initiatives expanding access to non-local or international markets
- Capacity-building programs for creative professionals
- Activities strengthening sector-wide infrastructure and connections
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be based in Toronto OR deliver services to Toronto-based individuals or organizations
- Must be in good standing with the City of Toronto (no outstanding debts or defaults)
- Eligible applicant types include:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations
- Registered charitable organizations
- Urban off-reserve Indigenous-led organizations
- Community centres affiliated with the Association of Community Centres
Ineligible Activities
- Artistic or talent development for individual artists
- Production of creative or artistic works
- Development of technology platforms or commercial products
- Purely production-focused creative projects without sector development impact
Program Objectives
- Strengthen Toronto’s creative industry ecosystem
- Improve business sustainability and commercialization capacity
- Expand entrepreneurial opportunities in creative sectors
- Support innovation and new business models
- Build stronger professional networks and partnerships
- Increase access to domestic and international markets
- Enhance long-term competitiveness of creative industries
Key Selection Priorities
- Clear contribution to sector development rather than individual artistic output
- Strong capacity-building and innovation focus
- Demonstrated benefit to Toronto’s creative ecosystem
- Inclusion of equity-deserving communities
- Potential for long-term impact and sustainability
- Strong collaboration and partnership approach
Conclusion
The Sector Development Grants program in Toronto is designed to strengthen the creative industries by investing in capacity building, innovation, and business development. It supports organizations and initiatives that improve sustainability, expand opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, and enhance the overall resilience and competitiveness of the sector, rather than funding individual artistic production.
For more information, visit City of Toronto.