Access to Markets

The Access to Markets Program provides a dedicated pool of funding for creators to use to access bonafide market events (such as European Film Market, Hot Docs, GDC, Pax), where creators go to sell their projects to distributors, publishers, and seek out other investors.

Attending markets is often restrictively expensive and producers/developers sometimes cannot attend without outside support. Eligible markets for the year are pre-defined with individual intakes for each event. This allows applications to be processed faster and approved before the event happens, providing applicants with a predictable source of funds prior to deciding to attend.

The current set of approved markets for this program are:

• Game Developer Conference (March 2025)
• Hot Docs Festival (April 2025)
• Pax East (May 2025)
• Banff World Media Festival (June 2025)
• Pax West (August 2025)
• Ottawa International Animation Festival (September 2025)
• Signals (September 2025)
• Mipcom (October 2025)
• World Congress of Science & Factual Producers (December 2025)
• European Film Market (February 2026)

Attendance at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Montreal International Game Summit is supported through the Trade Link Program or the Community Development Grant program. If you are not approved under this program, please consider applying under the Community Development Grant program.

Program Highlights

• Individual intakes will occur for each event, with applications open 13 weeks before the event and notification at least 8 weeks prior (*except GDC which will have a condensed timeline)
• Funding will help to offset registration fees, airfare, ground transportation, accommodation, meals, and promotional materials
• The program is aimed at individuals and companies ready to pitch and sell projects to distributors, publishers, or other interested parties

Opening: Intake will begin in February 2025

Check back shortly for further details on eligibility, other key dates, and application information.