Vancouver, B.C. (November 3, 2025) – Creative BC today announced 43 grants through its Business Foundations program, totaling $419,265 awarded to recipients across British Columbia.
Launched in 2023, the program supports the growth of businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups within B.C.’s music ecosystem. By investing in networks, capacity, and infrastructure, the program strengthens the foundation for long-term business development
Designed to increase access to funding, the program offers a simplified and flexible application process with no requirement for matching funds. It also acts as a stepping stone for emerging companies to later access support through Creative BC’s Live Music and Music Company programs. To date, it has supported 64 businesses with $628,837 in funding. Through this funding, previous recipient Local Losers Underground was able to increase their production quality with an upgraded digital audio production system. Recipient Black Van Club was able to improve their platform for connecting communities and events by invest in marketing and community outreach.
The program provides grants of up to $10,000, funded at 100% with no financial contribution required from the applicant. Recipients can invest in a wide range of business needs, including salaries and benefits, production costs, equipment, content creation, marketing campaigns, training, policy development, and business planning.
The 2024/25 Business Foundation program represents a collaborative investment in B.C.’s music and sound recording industry through the Province’s Amplify BC initiative and the City of Vancouver’s Vancouver Music Fund.
Through the Vancouver Music Fund, the City of Vancouver provides targeted support for Indigenous and underrepresented groups working and living on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The Fund aligns with the strategic recommendations outlined in the Vancouver Music Strategy and the City’s 10-year cultural plan, Culture|Shift, which seeks to rebalance support and amplify diversity within the music and cultural sector.
The Province matched these funds through Amplify BC, expanding program accessibility to residents throughout the province. These provincial contributions are part of B.C.’s historic $42 million investment, which encompasses music industry infrastructure support and initiatives designed to facilitate the recovery and growth of the province’s music industry through 2027.
Applications were scored according to the priorities of the program, including economic impact, investment in B.C. talent, innovation, and support for equity-deserving groups who experience systemic barriers to industry participation. Creative BC together with panels of industry professionals representing a variety of genres, industry backgrounds, regions and demographics, selected the successful recipients of the Program.
The following recipients will received grants of up to $10,000:
| 1. Amanpreet Singh, $10,000 | 23. Nadine Laila, $9,500 |
| 2. Arrival Sounds, $10,000 | 24. Nicholas Charuk, $8,000 |
| 3. Aubrey Burke Arts, $10,000 | 25. NITESHIFT Studios, $10,000 |
| 4. Club Art, $10,000 | 26. Noise Machine Studios, $10,000 |
| 5. Come Spin with Us, $10,000 | 27. Northburn Records, $10,000 |
| 6. DCS Studio, $10,000 | 28. Phase Entertainment Group, $10,000 |
| 7. Fiddler Productions, $10,000 | 29. Raven & Fox Productions, $9,400 |
| 8. Fil-Can Cultural Heritage Society, $10,000 | 30. Ricecake Events, $10,000 |
| 9. Fluddic, $10,000 | 31. Si Hay Entertainment, $10,000 |
| 10. Fountains, $10,000 | 32. Sleepy Queers Productions, $10,000 |
| 11. Grace Chiang, $10,000 | 33. Surrey Jazz and Arts Society, $8,880 |
| 12. Hallowed Sound Studios, $10,000 | 34. TALA Music and Consulting, $10,000 |
| 13. Harem East Meets West, $10,000 | 35. Ten.Oh Productions, $10,000 |
| 14. HARMONIX STUDIOS, $10,000 | 36. The Front Supply Co., $10,000 |
| 15. Hypha Arts, $10,000 | 37. The Miller House, $10,000 |
| 16. Intersection Media & Management, $10,000 | 38. United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC, $7,000 |
| 17. Inventor Live, $6,485 | 39. Vancouver Caribbean Island Hub, $10,000 |
| 18. Jay Bagasbas, $10,000 | 40. venom-s studios, $10,000 |
| 19. Kiran Bhumber Productions, $10,000 | 41. Vibes Familia, $10,000 |
| 20. Matt Roach Music, $10,000 | 42. WAVEPOOL SYNC, $10,000 |
| 21. Mohamadou Diarra, $10,000 | 43. We Outside, $10,000 |
| 22. Moodlab Music, $10,000 |
See the full list of recipients on the Knowledge Hub.
To learn more about the Business Foundations program, visit Creative BC’s website: www.creativebc.com/business-foundations.
Quotes:
Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Everyone deserves the chance to succeed in B.C.’s vibrant music industry. Yet systemic barriers have made that path more difficult for many. This is why our government is committed to supporting programs that offer real support where it’s needed most. These grants are helping underrepresented artists and business owners build stronger foundations, create new opportunities, and shape a music industry that reflects the full diversity and creativity of our province.”
Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC
“Congratulations to the 43 recipients of this round of funding through the Business Foundations program! This round has more than doubled the number of recipients from the previous one, significantly increasing investment in the growth of B.C.’s small businesses. This support is essential for nurturing a vital segment of our vibrant music and sound recording industry.”
Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver
“The Vancouver Music Fund has helped local music businesses grow, collaborate and increase their impact. Our city’s music scene adds incredible energy and creativity to Vancouver, and we’re proud to celebrate the people who bring it to life.”
Jay Bagasbas, Program Recipient
“Receiving the Business Foundations grant has drastically changed the way I serve my community. I immediately have been able to use everything I purchased (PA, console, and mic’s) in various ways whether it’s mixing a live show, renting out to artists, and teaching. Very blessed and grateful to be a recipient of this life changing grant.”
Media Contact:
Creative BC
Lisa Escudero
media@creativebc.com
+1 604-730-2235
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About Creative BC
Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province 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 agency 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