If you’re an Ontario book publisher hoping to grow your international sales, understanding which expenses the Global Market Development Fund (Ontario) will cover is essential. This Ontario Creates program helps export-ready publishers, but only certain marketing and export costs are eligible. Claiming the correct expenses, and avoiding ineligible ones, increases your chances of approval and full reimbursement.
The Global Market Development Fund – Book Industry is an Ontario Creates program that supports Ontario-based publishers aiming to reach international markets. It funds targeted export and market development activities that lead to measurable sales growth outside Canada.
Key program facts:
The Global Market Development Fund focuses on direct, export-related marketing and market development activities. Your expenses must clearly support international sales, rights deals, or entering new foreign markets, and must be relevant to Ontario-based publishers.
You can include:
These activities must be connected to specific target markets and show how they will help you earn revenue from outside Canada.
The program also supports hands-on export activity, including:
All travel and event costs must be reasonable, directly related to export outcomes, and must involve Ontario-based staff or representatives. For example, airfare for an Ontario employee to attend the London Book Fair is eligible, but travel for a US-based agent is not.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your planned export activities fit Ontario Creates’ funding rules before you apply.
Some costs are not eligible under this Ontario program, even if they support your business:
If a cost does not clearly support international market development for your Ontario publishing company, it is unlikely to be approved.
A successful application is clear, detailed, and focused on export results. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Careful preparation makes your application stronger and helps you avoid delays.
Even experienced publishers can make errors when applying for this fund. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Including domestic marketing costs
Costs must support sales or rights deals outside Canada. Marketing for Canadian readers is not eligible.
Vague or unclear descriptions
“International promotion” is too broad. Ontario Creates expects you to name the countries, events, or buyers involved.
Adding production expenses
Editing, printing, or manufacturing books is not covered. Only marketing and export activities are eligible.
Ignoring funding limits
The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs, not 100%. Plan your budget so you can cover your share.
Submitting costs for non-Ontario staff
Only expenses for Ontario-based employees or representatives are eligible.
Q: Is the Global Market Development Fund a grant or a loan?
It is a grant administered by Ontario Creates. Funding is provided to support eligible export activities for Ontario publishers.
Q: Can digital and ebook export marketing be funded?
Yes. Digital market development activities are eligible if they directly support international sales or rights deals.
Q: Can I combine this fund with federal export programs?
Stacking may be allowed, but you must report all funding sources and the total support cannot exceed program limits.
Q: Do I need confirmed international sales before applying?
You must be export-ready and show clear market opportunities, but you do not always need confirmed sales at the application stage.
Q: Is the funding taxable?
Grant funding is generally considered taxable income. Speak with your accountant to understand how this could affect your business.
The Global Market Development Fund (Ontario) can cover a significant part of your international marketing and export costs if you plan carefully and follow the guidelines. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Ontario Creates funding, so you can check which export and marketing grants match your Ontario publishing business.
See also:
Knowing which costs are eligible is the fastest way to turn your export plans into funded activity.
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