If you run a music business or present live music in Ontario, the Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) offers support through repayable contributions. OMIF is not a traditional grant. It covers up to 50% of eligible costs, depending on the stream. Knowing which costs qualify, which stream matches your business, and how repayment works can help you avoid mistakes when applying.
OMIF is delivered by Ontario Creates for the Government of Ontario. It supports music creation, live music, and industry-wide initiatives across the province.
This stream is for record labels and music publishers who invest in artists and want to grow their business.
Who can apply
Funding details
Eligible costs
This stream supports the presentation of live music events in Ontario, including festivals and concert series.
Who can apply
Funding details
Eligible costs
Note: You cannot receive OMIF and Experience Ontario funding for the same event and activity window.
This stream focuses on sector-wide growth and supports organizations rather than individual artists or events.
Who can apply
Funding details
Eligible costs
OMIF funding must be repaid, which makes it different from many arts grants.
Main repayment rules
Treat OMIF as risk-sharing capital. The province helps fund growth, but expects repayment if your project succeeds.
You can check your eligibility and see if OMIF’s repayable structure fits your plans using GrantHub’s eligibility matcher.
Thinking OMIF is a non-repayable grant
Some applicants do not plan for repayment, which affects cash flow.
Applying to the wrong stream
Live music presenters sometimes apply under Music Creation, or vice versa, leading to rejection.
Including costs that are not eligible
Overhead costs not tied to the approved project are often excluded.
Trying to fund the same activity with two Ontario programs
OMIF cannot fund the same event as Experience Ontario in the same period.
Q: Is the Ontario Music Investment Fund a grant or a loan?
OMIF is a repayable contribution. It is not a traditional grant or a commercial loan. Repayment depends on project or business success.
Q: How much funding can I receive from OMIF?
Depending on the stream, funding ranges from $10,000 up to $300,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs.
Q: Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
Yes. Applicants must be incorporated or ready to incorporate immediately if approved, especially for Live Music funding.
Q: Can artists apply directly to OMIF?
Individual artists usually apply through eligible entities like record labels or publishers, unless they qualify as high‑potential self‑releasing artist‑entrepreneurs.
Q: Can OMIF be stacked with other grants?
Yes, in many cases. But you must follow stacking rules and avoid funding the same costs twice. GrantHub tracks current stacking rules across programs so you can avoid compliance issues. Check your eligibility on GrantHub.
OMIF is a useful funding option if your business can handle a repayable model and meets Ontario Creates’ eligibility rules. Make sure you choose the right stream for your activities and budget only eligible costs.
GrantHub features many active grant and repayable funding programs across Canada, including OMIF. Matching your business profile against current programs is a quick way to see where you qualify.
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