Creative BC launches small music business support for systemically excluded groups in British Columbia

Vancouver, BC (December 13, 2023) – Today, Creative BC is proud to open a new program that will invest $200,000 in Amplify BC grants of up to $10,000 to support growing music and sound recording businesses in British Columbia owned by people from systemically excluded groups. Funding for these communities will be available through the Amplify BC Business Foundations (the Program) and Demo Recording programs.  

The Business Foundations program is intended to increase access to funding with a flexible program and simplified application process. The goal of the Program is to expand and develop networks, capacity, and infrastructure for B.C.’s vibrant and diverse music communities. The Program is designed to remove systemic barriers to participation and to increase funding delivered to businesses owned by members of communities that have been systemically underserved by funding programs. 

The Program will support small and emerging businesses owned by members of systemically excluded communities including Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, People with Disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These grants are intended to encourage new business owners to apply, and also support previous applicants who have not received significant funding.  

Under the Program, eligible applicants will be able to apply for core operations and business development activities to support growing companies. These activities include salaries and benefits, production costs, equipment purchases, content creation, marketing and advertising campaigns, training, policy development, business planning, and more. 

The Business Foundations program embodies Creative BC’s actions for equity and inclusion in program delivery and is part of the Amplify BC suite of programs delivered by Creative BC. The Program will increase access to funding and reduce financial risk for those who experience systemic barriers to participation, invest in the development of growing music businesses, and foster new and existing networks to help entrepreneurs thrive in B.C.’s music industry. 

An evaluation panel of industry professionals representing the groups this program is intended to serve will be established by Creative BC to determine successful projects based on business viability, impact and additional criteria as outlined in the program guidelines now available online.

Learn more about the Business Foundations Program, eligibility criteria, and deadlines online at www.creativebc.com/business-foundations. 

Media Contact:
Lisa Escudero, Creative BC
media@creativebc.com 
+1 604-730-2235  

Quotes:

Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“We are so pleased to support the Business Foundations program! It’s amazing to see more equity-deserving people in the music and sound recording industry having access to the support they need to grow their businesses and unleash their creativity. With this funding, these businesses and artists will be able to create more incredible content that we all love, bringing joy and inspiration to our communities and beyond.” 

Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC
“Creative BC is proud to launch this new business support for systemically excluded groups within B.C.’s diverse music ecosystem. By reducing financial barriers and increasing access to funding, we aim to foster growth, enhance capacity, and open networks. We look forward to welcoming first-time applicants that haven’t yet been able to access our existing programs, and to see new business growth in B.C.’s music and sound recording industry.” 

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About Creative BC
Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the provincial government to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The organization delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.’s creative economy. These activities include administration of the provincial government’s motion picture tax credit programs, delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector, and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.’s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental, and creative potential both at home and globally. Website: www.creativebc.com