The Market Access Grant program provides funding to cover third-party costs to allow individuals to attend markets to advance a project. Activities at markets can include pitching, demoing, training or other elements. Applicants can apply for funding of 75% of costs, up to a maximum grant of $3,500.

Eligibility

Market Access Grants are available to:

  • enterprises with a principal office in the Edmonton region that have been resident and operational for a minimum of one year; or,
  • individuals with professional screen media content creation experience or expertise who have been resident in the Edmonton region for a minimum of one year.

Applicants must be in good standing with the ESIO and the City of Edmonton.

Exceptions may be considered, please contact [email protected] to discuss prior to completing the application.

ELIGIBLE

  • Projects must be 100%-owned, -controlled or -optioned by the applicant.

Ineligible

  • Projects that are primarily propaganda (false, exaggerated or distorted ideas, visual material and statements typically used for a political purpose).
  • Projects that promote cruelty, sexual violence or sexual exploitation.
  • Projects containing elements that are pornographic, obscene, indecent or contain child pornography or are considered hate speech within the meaning of the Criminal Code of Canada.
  • Projects or content that is libelous or in any way unlawful.

ELIGIBLE

  • 75% of virtual or in-person event registration fees
  • 75% of return trip travel costs to in-person events, inclusive of air and ground transportation
  • 75% of accommodation costs
  • Per diem at a maximum of $50 per day per attendee
  • 75% of pitch material costs

INELIGIBLE

  • Project costs
  • Expenses that have already received funding or a commitment for funding from the ESIO or another grant source
  • Costs for which the applicant has received, or will receive, non-repayable funding
  • Controlled substances
  • Hospitality costs
  • Prepaid cards
  • GST will not be reimbursed if the applicant has a GST number

Other costs may be considered, subject to pre-approval. Contact [email protected] to discuss prior to completing the application. 

Only arms-length, third-party costs are eligible. 

Activities must occur between June 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025.

Application Information

Applicants must submit a separate application form for each market they wish to attend. Priority will be given to applications that best align with the program goals. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Requirements

Information required for the application form:

  • Applicant contact information (company, phone, address, etc.)
  • Website and Social Media links (optional)
  • Business Activity Type
  • Business Description (for first time applicants; 500 character max)
  • Diversity and Inclusion (optional, 1000 characters max)
  • Application information
  • Project and Activity Information
    • Project Description (2000 characters max)
    • Market Name
    • Event Start/End Dates
    • Event Website (optional)
    • Number of People Attending/Requesting ESIO Funding
    • Outcome (1000 characters max)
    • Impact (1000 characters max)
  • Financials
    • Total Activity Budget
    • Amount Requested
    • Activity Expenses (Total Cost, Total Requested, Source of Additional Funds)
      • Pitch Materials
      • Registration
      • Travel
      • Accomodation
      • Per Diems

This is a competitive process and the following general criteria will be used to assess funding requests:

  • Alignment to ESIO objectives
  • Application quality
  • Impact on applicant
  • Impact on local economy/ecosystem
  • Other criteria may also be considered

Process

  • All applications will first be reviewed for eligibility.
  • Eligible applications will then be assessed based on the criteria above.
  • Funding decisions will be made based on the available funding.
  • Applicants will be notified of the application status approximately one month after the closing date.

Based on a variety of factors, including the number of high-quality applications, the ESIO may provide partial funding.

If you have any questions or concerns about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact [email protected]. 

Ready to apply?

Applications are no longer being accepted. The next intake will take place in early 2025.

FAQ

Applications are first reviewed to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. Those that are eligible are then assessed based on the following general criteria:

  • Alignment to ESIO goals
  • Application quality
  • Project readiness
  • Impact on local economy/ecosystem

This is a competitive process rather than a pass/fail score. Applications will be scored based on the criteria above and assessed against other applications. Due to limited funds and demand for funding, not all requests that meet the established criteria will be approved for funding. Applicants may receive full, partial or no funding.