If you promote concerts, tours, or music festivals in Ontario, cash flow is often the biggest barrier to growth. The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) — Live Music program helps eligible promoters and presenters cover up to half of their event costs, with funding of up to $125,000 per project. This guide explains who can apply, what’s funded, and how to submit a strong application.
OMIF — Live Music is a provincial funding program delivered by Ontario Creates on behalf of the Government of Ontario. It supports domestic music promoters, presenters, and festivals that stage live music events featuring Canadian artists in Ontario.
Key facts you should know:
This stream is part of the broader Ontario Music Investment Fund. OMIF also includes Music Creation and Music Industry Initiatives streams. Each stream has its own eligibility rules and funding caps. Choosing the right one for your project is important.
Before you apply, make sure your business qualifies. Ontario Creates is strict on eligibility.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:
Important restriction:
If your revenues exceed $1 million, you may still qualify in rare cases, but only if you are not eligible for Experience Ontario. This is a common screening issue for larger festivals.
Only certain costs count toward your eligible project budget. Your application should clearly map expenses to these categories.
Eligible expenses include:
OMIF will not cover 100% of your costs. You must show other confirmed or projected revenue sources to cover the remaining 50%.
Applying for OMIF — Live Music is a detailed process. Start early.
OMIF has multiple streams:
Applying to the wrong stream is an automatic rejection.
You will typically need:
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether OMIF — Live Music fits your business profile before you invest time in the application.
Applications are submitted directly through Ontario Creates’ online portal. Deadlines and intake windows vary, so check the program page frequently.
Ontario Creates evaluates applications based on:
Treating OMIF as a non-repayable grant
OMIF funding is repayable. Your financial projections must show how repayment is realistic.
Applying with incomplete budgets
Budgets that don’t clearly show 50% non-OMIF funding are often declined.
Overlooking the Experience Ontario conflict
Double-dipping for the same event will disqualify your application.
Waiting too close to the event date
Ontario Creates expects applications well before your event launches.
Q: Is OMIF — Live Music a grant or a loan?
OMIF — Live Music is a repayable contribution, not a traditional grant. Repayment terms depend on your project’s revenues, and you are required to repay based on the income your event generates.
Q: How much funding can I receive from OMIF — Live Music?
You can request between $10,000 and $125,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
Q: Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
Yes. You must be incorporated or ready to incorporate immediately if your application is approved.
Q: Can OMIF fund virtual or live-streamed events?
Yes. Live-streaming and virtual performance costs are eligible expenses when tied to live music presentation.
Q: Can I apply if my revenue is over $1 million?
Generally no, unless specific exceptions apply and you are not eligible for Experience Ontario.
OMIF — Live Music can be a strong fit if you produce live music events in Ontario and need help covering upfront costs. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including OMIF and related Ontario Creates funding, so you can quickly see which options match your business before applying.
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