Grants to Ontario nonprofit organizations in the creative industries to support economic development initiatives that increase the capacity of businesses within the Province. Applicants must contact staff before applying. Priority will be given to Coronavirus (COVID-19) related recovery, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion in the creative sector. Funded projects will gather, formulate, and disseminate business intelligence relevant to the growth of the book, film, interactive digital media, magazine, music, or television industries.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year Ontario Creates will prioritize eligible Business Intelligence Program applications that focus on COVID-19 recovery, workforce development, or diversity and inclusion in the creative industries.

The agency’s decision to participate will be based on the following criteria:

• Mandate alignment and degree to which project is an industry priority (/30):
• “Mandate alignment” is the degree to which the project achieves the following, which are part of the Ontario Creates mandate:

• contributes to the continued expansion of a business environment in Ontario that is advantageous to the growth of the cultural media industry and to the growth of new employment, investment and production opportunities in Ontario; and/or
• facilitates and supports innovation, invention and excellence in Ontario’s cultural media industry by stimulating creative production, format innovation and new models of collaboration among sectors of the cultural media industry.

For purposes of the Ontario Creates Business Intelligence Program (BIP), "business intelligence" is defined as information and/or insights that industries and businesses require in order to increase their capacity and effectiveness, with a view to creating long-term stability and competitive market advantage. "Business intelligence" is primarily forward-looking, and includes the following (this list is not exhaustive):

• Interpretation of data and statistics
• Market intelligence
• Analysis required in order to prepare for challenges and take advantage of opportunities 
• Insights that will allow companies to formulate strong strategies

Projects must address an existing information gap or gaps.

Projects proposed should achieve one or more of the following goals in the creative industries:

• Provide information needed by an industry to further industry development or growth (e.g., regarding markets, consumer information, business models, product trend information, etc.)
• Provide analysis or interpretation of existing data and statistics
• Offer intelligence regarding a consumer base, segment, or geographic market
• Provide insight, analysis, or strategic direction aimed at helping content creating companies counter challenges and pursue opportunities
• Be of benefit to content creating companies in one or more creative industry sectors.