Digital Creators Pilot Program

Overview of the Digital Creators Pilot Program program:

The Digital Creators Pilot Program is a selective, competitive grant initiative designed to help mid-career Canadian digital creators expand their online presence and monetize their social media content. It supports short-form video creators with a proven track record and an engaged audience by offering direct support to grow their audience base and enhance their business strategy over six months. Applicants must present a strategic business plan, including audience development goals, platform metrics, content strategy, and monetization pathways. They must commit to producing at least four new pieces of original, edited content aligned with CMF’s eligible genres (drama, documentary, children/youth, or performing arts). The content must be distributed on one or more of four eligible platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook. Applicants may be individuals or unincorporated groups at the time of applying, but must incorporate to receive funding. The program places a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity, awarding evaluation points for women-led and equity-deserving creators. Funding is distributed in two parts: 80% upon contract execution, and 20% upon approval of a final report. The program also requires “Success Reporting” for two years following the project’s completion to track the impact of the funding.

Benefits of the Digital Creators Pilot Program program:

• Financial support to grow content and audience across major digital platforms
• Business development support for creators transitioning to full-time digital entrepreneurship
• Inclusive design and sustainability encouragement
• Evaluation points awarded for diversity, gender parity, and Canadian cultural themes
• Support for incorporation, hiring support staff, and marketing efforts
• Direct mentorship from CMF and peers in the content ecosystem

Eligibility criteria of the Digital Creators Pilot Program program:

• Eligible Applicants Must Be:
• Canadian-controlled for-profit corporations
• At least 18 years of age
• Headquartered in Canada
• In good standing with any creative guilds/associations
• If not incorporated at application time, must incorporate before contracting
• Platform Engagement Requirements:
• Active on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook for 12+ months, averaging 1+ post/month
• Minimum followers/subscribers/view metrics:
• English creators:
• 70,000+ followers on one platform, or
• 120,000+ combined followers across platforms, or
• 450,000+ views on a single video (with 35,000+ followers)
• French creators:
• 12,500+ followers on one platform, or
• 20,000+ combined, or
• 25,000+ views on one video (with 7,500+ followers)
• Eligible Content Types:
• Drama (scripted/unscripted, live-action or animation)
• Documentary
• Children or youth-focused content
• Variety or performing arts