Open Call: Domestic Industry Initiatives Grant Program (Canada)

The Domestic Industry Initiatives (DII) Program by Creative BC provides funding to support strategic projects that strengthen British Columbia’s creative industries, including motion picture, interactive digital media, and magazine and book publishing sectors. The program supports industry development, innovation, education, research, professional training, equity initiatives, and capacity-building projects that create long-term benefits for the province’s creative economy.

Overview of the Domestic Industry Initiatives (DII) Program

The Domestic Industry Initiatives (DII) Program is a funding opportunity offered by Creative BC to support organizations delivering strategic projects that strengthen and develop British Columbia’s creative industries.

The program focuses on building long-term industry capacity by supporting initiatives that improve skills, encourage innovation, expand professional networks, and strengthen business opportunities across key creative sectors.

The DII Program supports projects within:

Motion picture industry.
Interactive digital media sector.
Magazine and book publishing industries.

The program prioritizes initiatives that create broad benefits for British Columbia’s creative ecosystem rather than projects that mainly benefit a single organization or company.

Purpose of the Domestic Industry Initiatives Program

The main goal of the DII Program is to strengthen the long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation capacity of British Columbia’s creative industries.

The program supports projects that help:

Develop creative sector talent.
Improve professional skills.
Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
Strengthen industry collaboration.
Increase economic opportunities.
Support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Promote environmental sustainability.
Build stronger creative leadership.

Through strategic investment, the program helps organizations create resources and opportunities that benefit the wider creative community.

Creative Sectors Supported by the Program

The Domestic Industry Initiatives Program supports initiatives in three major creative sectors.

Motion Picture Industry

Projects may support:

Professional development.
Industry training.
Leadership development.
Knowledge sharing.
Business growth initiatives.

Interactive Digital Media

Funding may support activities that strengthen:

Digital innovation.
Interactive media development.
Industry skills.
Technology-based creative opportunities.

Magazine and Book Publishing

The program supports initiatives that improve:

Publishing capacity.
Professional knowledge.
Industry collaboration.
Sector development.

Types of Projects Supported

The DII Program funds a wide range of industry-building activities.

Eligible projects may include:

Education and Training Programs

Funding may support programs designed to improve creative industry skills through:

Professional courses.
Training sessions.
Learning opportunities.
Technical skill development.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Projects may include:

Mentorship programs.
Career development initiatives.
Leadership training.
Industry coaching.

These activities help emerging and established professionals strengthen their careers.

Conferences, Forums, and Industry Events

The program supports knowledge-sharing activities such as:

Industry conferences.
Forums.
Panel discussions.
Networking events.
Workshops.

These activities encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas across creative sectors.

Research and Knowledge Development

Eligible projects may include:

Sector research.
Industry studies.
Economic analysis.
Best practice guides.
Shared industry resources.

Research projects should contribute valuable information that supports creative industry growth.

Equity-Focused and Inclusive Initiatives

The program encourages projects that promote:

Equity.
Diversity.
Inclusion.
Accessibility.
Reconciliation.

Projects should help create a more inclusive and representative creative industry.

Innovation and Sustainability Projects

Funding may support initiatives focused on:

Creative innovation.
Intellectual property development.
Business capacity building.
Environmental sustainability.
New industry models.

Why the Domestic Industry Initiatives Program Matters

British Columbia’s creative industries contribute significantly to cultural development, employment, and economic growth.

The DII Program helps strengthen these industries by supporting organizations that create opportunities beyond individual businesses.

The program can help:

Build a skilled creative workforce.
Increase collaboration among industry professionals.
Improve business knowledge.
Encourage innovation.
Support sustainable creative practices.
Expand opportunities for underrepresented communities.

By investing in industry-wide initiatives, Creative BC helps create a stronger and more competitive creative economy.

Funding Information

The Domestic Industry Initiatives Program provides financial support for eligible creative industry projects.

Grant Amount

Minimum grant amount: CAD 1,000
Maximum funding coverage: Up to 75% of eligible project expenses

Applicants must contribute the remaining project costs through eligible sources.

Applicant Contribution Requirements

Applicants must provide at least 25% of project costs through sources such as:

Cash contributions.
Sponsorship funding.
Earned revenue.
Public funding.
Donations.
Eligible in-kind contributions.

Eligible Project Funding Period

Funding supports eligible expenses incurred between:

1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027

Projects must fall within the approved funding period.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may support expenses directly related to approved projects.

Eligible costs may include:

Venue expenses.
Technical costs.
Professional service fees.
Project-specific staffing costs.
Marketing and promotional activities.
Limited regional travel expenses.
Accessibility supports.
Project materials.

Payment Structure

Successful applicants generally receive funding through a staged payment process.

Payment structure:

80% of approved funding is provided after signing the funding agreement.
Remaining funding is released after submission and approval of final reports.

Ineligible Expenses and Activities

The DII Program does not support certain costs.

Funding cannot be used for:

Regular operational expenses.
Capital purchases.
Inaugural events.
Film screenings.
Creative content production.
Prize money.
Alcohol purchases.
Plated meals.
Other expenses identified as ineligible in program guidelines.

Applicants should ensure proposed budgets only include eligible project-related expenses.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet Creative BC’s organizational requirements.

Applicants must be:

Organizations incorporated under the British Columbia Societies Act.
British Columbia-based not-for-profit organizations with their head office located in the province.

Sector Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must primarily operate within:

Motion picture.
Interactive digital media.
Magazine and book publishing sectors.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be in good standing with Creative BC.
Have completed required reporting obligations for previous Creative BC funding.
Demonstrate capacity to successfully deliver the proposed project.

2026/27 Intake Eligibility Requirement

For the 2026/27 funding intake:

Applications are limited to organizations that received DII Program funding during the 2024/25 and/or 2025/26 funding periods.
Applications must focus on continuation or delivery of previously approved or ongoing initiatives.

Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible projects must:

Have been delivered at least once before applying.
Demonstrate industry-wide benefits.
Be submitted at least 10 weeks before the project start date.
Not be submitted more than six months before the project start date.

How to Apply for the Domestic Industry Initiatives Program

Applicants should prepare a complete application demonstrating project value, industry benefits, and implementation capacity.

Step 1: Develop a Strategic Project Plan

Applicants should explain:

Project objectives.
Target participants or beneficiaries.
Creative sector impact.
Expected outcomes.

The project should demonstrate benefits beyond the applicant organization.

Step 2: Prepare a Detailed Budget

Applications must include:

Total project costs.
Requested funding amount.
Applicant contribution.
Other funding sources.

Applicants should clearly identify all financial contributions.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documentation

Applications should include required documents such as:

Project details.
Organizational information.
Budget documents.
Funding source declarations.
Previous project information.

Step 4: Submit Application Before Deadline

Applicants must ensure:

Eligibility requirements are met.
Required documents are included.
Application is submitted within the required timeline.

Application Assessment Criteria

Creative BC reviews eligible applications based on several factors.

Projects are assessed on:

Industry Development Impact

Reviewers consider whether the project strengthens British Columbia’s creative industries.

Projects should demonstrate:

Sector-wide benefits.
Skill development.
Industry improvement.

Investment in British Columbia Talent

Applications should show how projects support:

Creative professionals.
Emerging talent.
Workforce development.

Economic Impact

Projects are evaluated based on their contribution to:

Industry growth.
Business capacity.
Economic opportunities.

Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion

Creative BC considers whether projects promote:

Inclusive participation.
Equal opportunities.
Representation.
Accessibility.

Innovation and Environmental Sustainability

Applications should demonstrate:

New approaches.
Creative innovation.
Sustainable practices.

Project Capacity and Feasibility

Applicants must demonstrate:

Strong planning.
Appropriate resources.
Ability to successfully deliver the project.

Responsibilities of Successful Applicants

Successful recipients must enter into a formal funding agreement with Creative BC.

Recipients are required to:

Follow funding agreement conditions.
Use funds only for approved expenses.
Publicly acknowledge Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia.
Submit final narrative reports.
Submit financial reports.
Maintain financial records.
Provide evidence of project outcomes and eligible expenses.

Reporting Requirements

Funding recipients must provide documentation demonstrating project completion.

Reports should include:

Project Outcomes

Recipients should explain:

Activities completed.
Results achieved.
Industry benefits.
Lessons learned.

Financial Reporting

Recipients must provide:

Final project expenses.
Supporting financial documents.
Evidence of eligible spending.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Applying for Individual Business Benefits

Projects should demonstrate benefits for the wider creative sector, not only one organization.

Including Ineligible Expenses

Applicants should carefully review eligible and ineligible costs before preparing budgets.

Weak Industry Impact Explanation

Applications should clearly explain how the project contributes to creative industry development.

Missing Previous Funding Reports

Organizations with incomplete reporting obligations may become ineligible.

Submitting Late Applications

Applications must be submitted within required timelines before project commencement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Domestic Industry Initiatives Program?

The Domestic Industry Initiatives Program is a Creative BC funding program that supports strategic projects strengthening British Columbia’s creative industries through training, research, innovation, and professional development.

Which sectors are supported by the DII Program?

The program supports the motion picture, interactive digital media, and magazine and book publishing sectors.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Grants start at CAD 1,000 and may cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses.

Who can apply for the program?

Eligible applicants include British Columbia-based not-for-profit organizations and organizations incorporated under the British Columbia Societies Act that operate in supported creative sectors.

Can funding support creative content production?

No. The program does not fund creative content production, film screenings, or similar activities.

What types of projects are prioritized?

Priority is given to projects that support industry development, talent growth, innovation, equity, sustainability, and long-term creative sector capacity.

When must projects take place?

Eligible expenses must occur between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Conclusion

The Domestic Industry Initiatives (DII) Program by Creative BC provides important support for strengthening British Columbia’s creative economy through collaboration, innovation, education, and professional development.

By funding strategic projects that build skills, encourage inclusion, support research, and improve industry capacity, the program helps create a stronger and more sustainable future for British Columbia’s creative sectors.

Organizations that demonstrate broad industry benefits, strong project planning, measurable outcomes, and alignment with Creative BC’s priorities are best positioned to receive support.