Live Music: Business Development

Who can apply

B) Live music presenters can apply for capacity-building activities through the Business Development stream.

Applicants must be B.C.-based festivals, venues, event producers or presenters that meet the following criteria:

1. Is a B.C.-owned and controlled corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a

valid GST number, that files B.C. tax returns. Applicants may also be not-for-profit or charitable organizations with headquarters in B.C. New companies and individuals acting as sole proprietors can apply but will be required to register their business upon successfully receiving a grant. New businesses are eligible to apply for funding.

1. Core business activities for the applicant company, or business unit within a larger

organizational structure, include presenting live music in B.C., or fills a gap in their regional community (outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoria’s Capital Regional District). ‘Core business activities’ means that more than 50% of an organization’s activities are related to the presentation of live music.

1. Demonstrates an ongoing and sustained commitment to presenting live music and engagement

within the local music community

1. Assumes risk in programming, producing, and promoting live music performances in B.C.

Creative BC encourages applications from systemically excluded groups, including Indigenous Peoples (First Nations [Status/Non-Status], Métis, and Inuit), Black, People of Colour, People living with one or more Disability, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, non-binary and gender diverse people, and other groups who experience systemic barriers to participation.

For previous recipients:

1. Final Reports: If an applicant has received funding from Creative BC, all prior Live Music final

reports must be submitted prior to December 31, 2026, to be eligible for funding through this intake. Grant recipients from 2025/26 who have completed their projects are encouraged to submit final reports as soon as possible, as final reports for returning applicants will be reviewed before 2026/27 grants are issued.

1. Good Standing: The principals, directors, officers, shareholders and owners of all applicant

companies must be in good standing with Creative BC, which means the applicant is not in default with respect to prior grants, and there are no outstanding amounts owed to Creative BC.