Moving beyond traditional project-by-project funding, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) has unveiled two initiatives aimed at directly strengthening Canadian and Indigenous screen-based media businesses.
Wednesday’s announcement introduces the CMF Business Development Program and the second iteration of the Indigenous Company Impact Support program. Both initiatives centre around a core philosophy that building sustainable, scalable companies is essential to ensuring strong Canadian and Indigenous content thrives globally.
The strategic shift is backed by new CMF report, Beyond Project Funding: Highlights from the CMF’s research on business development funding. The study revealed that 60% of surveyed screen-based companies reported under $1 million in consolidated revenues over the past five years, while 68% generated less than a quarter of their revenue from international sources. Despite these challenges, 57% identified international expansion as their primary growth priority.
“In-house research and industry consultations showed us that more investments are needed if we want Canadian and Indigenous companies to scale up and compete on the international stage,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the CMF. “Aligned with our three-year strategy, Indigenous Action Plan, and EDIA strategy, these programs invest in the stability and sustainability companies need to keep telling the stories our country is known for, across all platforms.”
$5M business development pilot
Designed for small and mid-sized Canadian corporations with a minimum five-year track record in linear or interactive digital media (IDM), the $5 million Business Development Program offers targeted investments to fuel business expansion, international market entry, IP acquisition, and catalogue monetization. Prior CMF funding is not a prerequisite.
Funding is split evenly between two distinct tracks based on five-year revenue tiers, with one-third of funds in each track reserved for French-language applicants:
| Track | Company Revenues | Max CMF Contribution | Contribution Type |
| Growth | $250,000 to $999,999 | $100,000 | Non-repayable contribution |
| Accelerate | $1,000,000 to $9,999,999 | $300,000 | Recoupable investment |
Contributions cover up to 75% of eligible costs. Applicants must submit a 12- to 24-month business plan with clear metrics for revenue and market expansion. Competitive assessments will award points for Indigenous-owned, Equity-Deserving-owned, and regional businesses. Applications for the pilot program open Nov. 10.
Targeted support for Indigenous enterprise
The Indigenous Company Impact Support program will provide one-time grants of up to $50,000 to Indigenous-owned companies producing interactive, digital, and emergent media.
Aligning with the CMF’s 2026–29 Indigenous Action Plan, the program invests directly in operational capacity, team building, market access, and audience engagement.
Eligible companies previously funded through CMF or Indigenous Screen Office programs between 2021 and 2026 will receive direct invitations to apply by Oct. 29
