Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings is accepting applications for its Collective Initiatives Program to support projects which increase the national and international profile and commercial potential of multiple Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs.
The FACTOR Collective Initiatives Program is designed to create new market development results for participating Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs. Projects are expected to generate opportunities to access new markets or expand into existing ones, raise awareness of artists and companies among consumers and industry personnel, increase revenue potential, and provide opportunities to build support teams and business networks. It also promotes the development of business skills, know-how, and tools that help artists and entrepreneurs succeed in a global and digital environment.
The program includes three components, each encompassing a range of eligible projects and activities. Activities include conferences, workshops, national award shows, music showcases, export missions, initiatives to improve the visibility and accessibility of Canadian music on markets and digital platforms, skills development sessions, and industry research.
Overall activities must help Canadian and/or Indigenous artist-entrepreneurs, artists represented by Canadian-owned and controlled firms, or industry professionals in the Canadian-owned and controlled sector to gain a greater profile, increase artistic and business skills, and build export-readiness and competitiveness.
The Industry Events component supports market development opportunities for Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs by subsidizing music conferences, educational and mentorship initiatives, digital initiatives, and select national award shows in Canada.
Eligible projects must demonstrate strategic value toward the success of Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs in the national and global marketplace. Funding under this component is a maximum of 50% of the total eligible budget to an annual limit of $200,000.
The Showcase Production for Export-Ready Artists component focuses on increasing international awareness of Canadian music by creating opportunities for artists to secure record distribution, publishing deals, tour bookings, and management representation.
It supports both inbound projects that bring international delegates to Canada and outbound projects that produce showcases at international events. Funding under this component is at 75% of the total eligible budget to an annual maximum of $100,000.
The Showcase Production for Artists from Official Language Minority Communities component assists in producing music showcases that feature new artists from official language minority communities, such as Francophone artists outside Quebec and Anglophone artists in Quebec.
The funding helps increase their exposure to larger audiences through local, regional, national, or international events. Funding under this component is at 75% of the total eligible budget to an annual maximum of $100,000.
Eligible applicants include incorporated companies and not-for-profit associations that are Canadian-owned and controlled. Associations must have a majority Canadian Board of Directors, at least 50% Canadian membership, and a principal purpose centered on the career development of Canadian music artists.
Applicants must also have a reviewed and approved profile, including two years of financial statements, and their projects must demonstrate a minimum of two years of relevant experience or operations.
Applications are assessed based on the project’s relevance to the program’s mandate, its strategic value to participating artists and entrepreneurs, the applicant’s capacity to deliver results, and the realism of the proposed budget.
Additional consideration is given to projects that promote new Canadian artists, Indigenous artists, and artists from priority groups, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, women, racialized persons, and persons with disabilities.
Applicants must adhere to the program’s reporting and acknowledgment requirements, including the submission of completion reports within two months of project conclusion, proper financial documentation, and inclusion of FACTOR and Canada Wordmark logos in all promotional materials. Funding caps vary across components, with eligible projects able to receive up to 50–75% of total eligible costs, depending on the category.
The next application deadline is January 15, 2026, for events occurring between April 1 and July 31, 2026.
For more information, visit FACTOR.