How to Apply for the Passport to Markets Fund (Creative BC)

How to Apply for the Passport to Markets Fund (Creative BC)

If you’re a B.C.-based producer aiming to sell, finance, or co-produce projects internationally, travel costs can add up quickly. The Passport to Markets Fund (Creative BC) helps cover these expenses so you can attend approved global markets and industry events. The program supports costs such as travel, accommodation, and registration fees for eligible producers with a professional track record.

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What Is the Passport to Markets Fund?

The Passport to Markets Fund is managed by Creative BC in partnership with the BC Arts Council. It assists B.C. film, television, digital media, media production, sales agents, and book publishers in attending key international markets and conferences.

What the funding covers

• International travel
• Accommodation
• Market or conference registration fees

A Virtual Edition is also available for approved online markets and events when travel is not required.

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Who Is Eligible?

To apply, you must meet all core eligibility requirements.

You can apply if you are:

• A B.C. resident producer or a B.C.-based production company
• Actively working in film, TV, or interactive digital media
• Able to show a professional track record in B.C.
• A B.C. resident for at least 200 days in the past year
• Filing B.C. income taxes

Producer credit rules

• You must hold an Executive Producer, Co-Producer, or Associate Producer credit
• Directors without a producer credit are not eligible

Market participation limits

• Up to four market sites over two fiscal years
• One producer per project or company per market
• Some markets require pre-selection or invitation before you apply

Ineligible activities include

• Attending premieres, screenings, or award ceremonies
• Non-market festivals
• Travel not directly tied to market activity

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How Much Funding Can You Get?

• Up to $2,500 per market
• Covers a maximum of 50% of eligible expenses
• Funding is a partial reimbursement, not an advance

Expenses must be directly related to the approved market or event. Keep all receipts, as you’ll need them for reporting.

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How to Apply for the Passport to Markets Fund

Applying is straightforward, but accuracy is important.

Step 1: Confirm the Market Is Eligible

Creative BC maintains a list of approved international markets and events. Some require proof of acceptance or invitation before you apply.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You’ll need:

• Proof of market registration or invitation
• A short description of your project or company
• Your travel budget, showing total costs and the amount requested
• Proof of B.C. residency and tax status

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications are submitted through Creative BC’s online portal. Deadlines vary by market, so apply well before your travel date.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if Passport to Markets — and other Creative BC programs — fit your profile before you apply.

Step 4: Travel and Report

If approved, attend the market as planned. Afterward, submit:

• Receipts for eligible expenses
• A brief activity or outcomes report

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Reporting and Follow-up

Once you have attended the market, you must submit a final report to Creative BC. This includes:

• Detailed receipts for all eligible expenses
• A summary of your activities and outcomes from the market or event
• Any additional documents requested by Creative BC

Timely reporting is required for reimbursement. Make sure your paperwork is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying without market pre-selection
   Some markets require an invitation. Applying without it can lead to automatic rejection.

2. Listing ineligible expenses
   Meals, sightseeing, or unrelated travel costs are not covered.

3. Missing producer credit requirements
   Director-only credits do not qualify, even if you own the project.

4. Exceeding market limits
   The four-market cap over two fiscal years is strictly enforced.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Passport to Markets Fund taxable?
Yes. Funding is generally considered taxable grant income. Confirm how it applies to your situation with an accountant.

Q: Can I apply as an individual producer or only as a company?
Both are allowed, as long as you meet B.C. residency and professional track record requirements.

Q: What expenses are eligible under this program?
Eligible costs include travel, accommodation, and registration fees tied directly to the approved market or virtual event.

Q: How many times can I receive Passport to Markets funding?
You can attend up to four market sites over two fiscal years, with limits per project and company.

Q: Can book publishers apply?
Yes. The program includes book publishers attending approved international markets.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Creative BC funding. You can quickly check which ones match your business profile.

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Related Topics to Explore

• What expenses do arts, culture, and media grants cover?
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What business expenses are eligible across Canadian grants and loans?

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Next Steps

The Passport to Markets Fund (Creative BC) is a practical way to reduce the cost of expanding your creative business internationally. Once you understand the eligibility rules and application steps, make sure this program fits your broader funding plan. GrantHub can help you compare Creative BC programs and other market development grants so you can focus on opportunities that suit your business.