Deadline: 01-Aug-2026
The City of Toronto offers Sector Development Grants to strengthen the city’s film, music, and creative technology industries, including video games, XR, immersive media, and esports. The program funds ecosystem-level initiatives such as industry coordination, market development, sustainability practices, research, and business model innovation that enhance the long-term competitiveness of Toronto’s creative sectors.
What are Sector Development Grants?
Sector Development Grants are designed to support system-wide improvements in Toronto’s screen-based and creative industries. Rather than funding individual productions or artists, the program focuses on strengthening the overall industry ecosystem, infrastructure, and long-term economic sustainability.
The goal is to build a more competitive, innovative, and inclusive creative economy in Toronto.
Key Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen Toronto’s creative industry ecosystem
- Improve coordination across film, music, and digital media sectors
- Develop new and sustainable business models
- Enhance sector competitiveness and resilience
- Promote environmental sustainability and low-carbon practices
- Support equity-deserving communities in systemic ways
- Expand market access for Toronto-based companies
- Foster cross-sector collaboration and innovation
- Improve sector-wide data, research, and knowledge systems
Supported Industry Sectors
Funding applies to:
- Film and television production ecosystem (sector-level only)
- Music industry infrastructure and development
- Video game development
- Immersive media
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Esports and digital entertainment
- Creative technology industries
Eligible Project Types
Industry Ecosystem Development
- Sector coordination and collaboration initiatives
- Industry-wide networking and partnerships
- Market development and export readiness programs
Research and Knowledge Building
- Sector data collection and analysis
- Industry research and insights development
- Policy and market studies
- Innovation benchmarking
Business Model Innovation
- Development of new revenue models
- Industry restructuring initiatives
- Financial sustainability strategies
- Commercialization support systems
Sustainability and Inclusion
- Low-carbon and green production practices
- Equity-focused sector initiatives
- Systemic support for underrepresented communities
- Environmental impact reduction strategies
Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Partnerships between creative and non-creative sectors
- Technology integration initiatives
- Innovation hubs and collaboration platforms
Funding Purpose
The grants aim to:
- Strengthen Toronto’s creative economy infrastructure
- Improve long-term financial sustainability of the sector
- Increase global competitiveness of Toronto’s industries
- Support innovation and commercialization pathways
- Expand opportunities for creative businesses and entrepreneurs
- Build stronger market connections and export capacity
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Charitable organizations
- Indigenous-led organizations (urban off-reserve)
- Community centres affiliated with the Association of Community Centres
Applicants must:
- Be based in Toronto or serve Toronto-based stakeholders
- Have no outstanding debts to the City of Toronto
- Be in good standing with all City agreements
Ineligible Activities
The program does NOT fund:
- Film or television production financing
- Hiring crew or staff for private production companies
- Individual artist or performer development
- Direct production of creative or artistic works
- Operational support for private studios or production companies
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Strengthen industry-wide infrastructure and coordination
- Improve access to domestic and international markets
- Enhance sustainability and innovation practices
- Support equitable participation in creative industries
- Increase competitiveness of Toronto’s creative sectors
- Generate data and insights to guide sector development
Strategic Importance
This funding program is important because it:
- Builds a stronger and more resilient creative economy
- Supports long-term sector transformation rather than short-term output
- Encourages sustainable and environmentally responsible practices
- Strengthens Toronto’s position as a global creative hub
- Promotes inclusive growth across creative industries
- Enhances innovation and commercialization pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What industries are covered?
Film, music, video games, XR, immersive media, esports, and creative technology sectors.
Can individual artists apply?
No, the program is focused on organizations and sector-wide initiatives.
Are film productions funded?
No, production financing is not eligible.
What types of projects are supported?
Sector development, research, sustainability initiatives, and business model innovation.
Who can apply?
Non-profits, charities, Indigenous-led organizations, and community centres in Toronto.
What is the main goal of the program?
To strengthen the overall creative industry ecosystem in Toronto.
Does the program support sustainability projects?
Yes, especially those focused on low-carbon and environmentally responsible practices.
Conclusion
The City of Toronto Sector Development Grants focus on strengthening the structural foundations of the city’s creative industries rather than funding individual creative outputs. By supporting research, innovation, sustainability, and ecosystem-building initiatives, the program enhances the long-term resilience, competitiveness, and inclusivity of Toronto’s film, music, and digital media sectors.
For more information, visit City of Toronto.