PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective focuses on the lack of Black representation on the business side of the music industry. As such, ADVANCE has shown that the lack of Black people in decision-making positions has limited the success of Black creatives. There will be increased economic effects on tourism, import/export of creative goods and services, film/television production, permanent residency, the labour force and trade, when we increase access to financial resources for Black businesses.

ADVANCE, City of Toronto and The Slaight Family Foundation have partnered to support the economic growth and development of EMERGING, ELEVATING and ESTABLISHED businesses. Funding will support operations, professional development, staffing, education, mentorship, economic growth and career development, sponsorship for persons interested in the business practices of the music industry. 

PROGRAM FOCUS

• To provide access to financial resources for Black Businesses

• To support capacity building for Black Businesses

• To provide business-focused mentorship to the Black community

 PROGRAM STRUCTURE

For 2025-2026, the program covers 50% of expenses of the project.  

Persons may submit one application per deadline. Black for-profit or non-for-profit business owners should adhere to the categories below:

• Emerging (eligible for up to $5,000 in funding): Relatively new organization that has shown great potential. The emerging company has long term goals, with a plan on execution*.  

• Elevating (eligible for up to $25,000 in funding): Has been in the industry 3+ years. They have not reached their full potential but there are current successes, and programs have been deployed.

• Established (eligible for up to $80,000 in funding): Has been in the industry 5+ years. They have a strong following, and customer base. They have repeated their core programming multiple times. 

A need to address different stages ensures that we are supporting the inter-generational group of Black business owners, addressing the various needs within the community. To see what program stream your business qualifies for, please SEE DEFINITIONS HERE.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

• Company must be majority Black-owned

• At least (1) owner must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen

• Applicant must be a founder and majority shareholder of the business 

• Business must be registered and operating in Canada

• Business must have been operating for 2+ years

• Must be business that has a product or service in market

• Must have a focus on providing products and services to professionals in the Music Sector

• Artist-owned labels are eligible, provided they support more than just the label owner’s work. Artist-owned labels are not eligible if they exist primarily to represent or support the label owner’s work.

*Emerging Businesses can use part of their funding for non-for-profit business registration. This must be shown before they receive the 2nd installment.

HOW YOU CAN USE THE FUNDS

The Black ADVANCEment Grant funding can be used across various areas of your business to support growth, innovation, and overall success. You can review the Fund Allocation to see some key areas where grant funding can have a significant impact.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be required to submit a deck or presentation including the following information:

• Information about your organization

• Detailed budget required to fund your organization or specific project

• Deck or presentation must also clearly address the following questions:

• How does/will your business aid in the success of Black music business professionals? 

• Has your business aided in the success of Black music business professionals in the past? If so, how was it done?

• What is you/company’s annual goal(s)?

• Why do you believe that Black music business professionals are important to the national music industry ecosystem?

• How long have you been in operation?

• How much financial support are you requesting?

• Who are the company founders?

  *** Letter of reference can be submitted but is not required unless you are applying for the Established Company Program.

 MONEY DEPLOYMENT

Two payments will be made to the organization - 50% upon approval, and remaining 50% upon approval of the final report (Due February 2026).

The list of applicants will be reviewed, and rated by a jury comprised of Black business owners, investors, Board Members, music executives, emerging professionals and music industry organization representatives from across Canada. The top rated projects will be sent for insight from the Advisory Board and Board of Directors, who will also rank the short-listed group. The amount of money given will be based on need ranging from $1,500 - $80,000.