Selling Ontario-made books in other countries is expensive. Travel, rights fairs, sales agents, and marketing materials all add up quickly. The Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book helps export-ready publishers cover some of these costs so they can grow international sales with less risk.
This guide covers the Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book program. It explains who can apply, what activities are funded, and how to prepare a strong application.
The Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book is a program that supports international business development activities for Ontario-based book publishers. The goal is to help publishers increase export sales and global visibility for Canadian-authored titles.
This funding is not for general marketing. Your application must show how your activities will lead to international sales or rights deals.
To apply for the Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book program, your business must meet all the main rules.
Your company must:
These rules are strict. If you do not meet all of them, your application will not move forward.
The Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book does not use different funding “streams.” Instead, it supports a set list of international market development activities.
All activities must:
If you are unsure which programs you might qualify for, GrantHub can help you compare export funding options by province and industry.
Ontario Creates wants to see specific results, such as:
General goals like “increase brand awareness” are not enough.
Include:
Your budget should:
Send your application directly to Ontario Creates. Applications are reviewed competitively. Deadlines and intake periods can change each year.
Applying without export readiness
If you have no international sales history or clear market targets, your application will likely be rejected.
Overestimating travel costs
High or unclear expenses make assessors question your plan.
Listing activities without expected results
Every activity should connect to sales, rights, or distribution outcomes.
Missing basic eligibility rules
Revenue, title count, and ownership requirements are firm.
Q: Is the Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book a grant or a loan?
It is repayable funding, not a non-repayable grant. Repayment terms are set by Ontario Creates.
Q: Can first-time exporters apply?
You must be export-ready with a real international plan. First-time exporters without market traction are less competitive.
Q: Are virtual book fairs eligible?
Yes. Virtual participation is eligible if it supports measurable international sales activity.
Q: Can I apply for multiple markets in one application?
Yes, as long as all activities fit within one export plan and budget.
Q: Does the fund cover translation costs?
Translation may be eligible if it clearly supports international sales efforts.
The Ontario Creates Global Market Development Fund – Book is a good fit if your publishing business is ready to sell outside Canada. The most important thing is to match your activities to clear export goals.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Ontario Creates funding, so you can quickly see which export and publishing programs match your business needs. If you want more tips on building a strong application, GrantHub’s resource library is a helpful place to start.
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