Music Company

Amplify BC

The Music Company program supports the sustainability, growth, and capacity of B.C.’s music companies through investing in business development activities.

 Open for Applications

Apply now! The deadline for submissions is March 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM, PT

Guidelines and program materials can be found below. Please contact Creative BC staff with any questions.

Applications to the Music Company program are evaluated by Creative BC staff and a panel of industry professionals, representing a variety of genres, industry backgrounds, regions, and demographics.

Applications are scored according to the priorities of the program, the economic impact of the project, and the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the project.

Music Company Scoring Sheet 2023/24

Join Creative BC staff and learn about this program. Get all the details about eligibility, examples of past successful projects, and the application process. We look forward to answering all of your questions!

Creative BC staff are available to answer questions and provide support for applicants at the below info sessions:

Info sessions will be conducted in English, and occur in Pacific Daylight Time.

Review the info session slide deck.

One-hour Music Company grant coaching sessions are now available for new and previously unsuccessful applicants from systemically excluded groups and underrepresented regions of B.C. Grant coaches can provide input on your applications for the Music Company program.

This includes applicants from the following groups:

  • Indigenous Peoples (First Nations [Status/Non-Status], Métis, and Inuit)

  • The Black community 
  • People of Colour 
  • People living with one or more disability, and those who live with chronic illness or who are neurodiverse

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

This also includes applicants from underrepresented regions of B.C.

  • Cariboo 
  • Kootenay 
  • Nechako 
  • North Coast 
  • Northeast 
  • Thompson / Okanagan 
  • Vancouver Island and Coast (excluding the Capital Regional District / City of Victoria) 

Instructions: 

1. Sign up for a Music Company grant coaching session by choosing a coach below.

2. Read the program guidelines, start writing your grant application before your appointment, and come with specific questions. Share your saved application link or application materials with your grant coach to receive input on your draft.

3. You are limited to ONE grant coaching session. Please do not sign up for multiple sessions with multiple coaches.

Meet the Amplify BC Music Company Grant Coaches

Deb Beaton-Smith founded Beat Music Management 19 years ago to provide management and leadership in the music industry. She is experienced with large and small-scale events, conferences, award ceremonies, artist services, and venue support. Deb is currently the Executive Director of the BC Music Festival Collective. Past projects include: creating the BC Music Festival Survey project to create standardized surveys and an Economic and Socio-Cultural Report, serving as Director and Curator, Rifflandia Gathering 2018 Music Conference, Sr. Project Manager City of Victoria Canada 150; Host Chair and Co-Producer BreakOut West/Western Canadian Music Awards 2015, and Director, Artist Relations, Grants & Development for Rifflandia Festival. For a decade, she also mentored and provided artist management. Deb is experienced in both grant writing and adjudication for multiple music organizations, including Creative BC, Music BC, FACTOR, the JUNO Awards, MusiCounts, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Book a grant coaching session with Deb

Sage McBride lives in Fernie, BC, where she is a member and managing partner in the alternative folk rock band Shred Kelly. She is a grant writer through her company Saem House Creative, and has experience writing successful grant applications for Amplify BC, FACTOR, Music BC, and Radio Starmaker. She also works as a booking agency assistant at Midnight Agency. She is passionate about collaboration and is excited to be a grant coach for the Kootenay Region.
Book a grant coaching session with Sage

Nancy Lee, aka Which Nancy, is a music curator, media artist, event organizer, artistic mentor, and music video director based in Vancouver. Nancy is a co-founder of electronic music and art collective Chapel Sound and CURRENT, an intersectional and multidisciplinary initiative featuring artistic and educational programming for women, nonbinary artists and artists of colour. They work with artists and organizers in DIY and underground spaces, and genres spanning from rap, RnB, club, experimental electronic, ambient, bass, house and techno. Over the past few years, Nancy has received grants from Creative BC, the City of Vancouver, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the BC Arts Council. They are keen to offer support for emerging artists, BIPOC and queer artists, artists from immigrant families, and artists whose first languages are not English. Nancy is also a JUMPSTART consultant with Music BC, and offers grant coaching support all year round. Photo by May Troung.
Languages: English, Mandarin, and limited Cantonese
Book a grant coaching session with Nancy
Mizzy Mejia is a seasoned professional in the music industry, making waves as an Artist Manager, Booking Agent, and Production Manager at Land Back Records. With an impressive background in the business side of the music world, Mizzy boasts over two decades of experience. As a former touring artist, he brings a unique perspective to his role, understanding the challenges and nuances faced by musicians firsthand. Beyond his involvement with Land Back Records, Mizzy also shines as a Production Manager with Timbre Concerts, where his expertise in event planning and management serves artists and audiences in equal measure. With a passion for nurturing talent and a keen eye for emerging trends, Mizzy Mejia remains a driving force in shaping the careers of artists and the future of the music industry.
Book a grant coaching session with Mizzy

Dustyn Baulkham is a trailblazing entrepreneur on a mission to create a more inclusive world. Graduating from UBC Okanagan, Dustyn spent a decade in finance before launching his own consulting company. Back in Kelowna, he served as the Workforce Development Officer and Executive Director before becoming the General Manager of the Kelowna Pride Society. Now, at the helm of Rebellious Unicorns Production Company Inc., he produces high-quality events like Peak Pride and FruitCake, spreading inclusive magic across the country. Dustyn also sits on the board of the Central Okanagan Foundation as the Secretary and was appointed by the BC Government in 2022 to the Okanagan College Board of Governors.

During the pandemic, Dustyn’s innovative spirit thrived, leading him to conjure up QUSIC, a groundbreaking music series spotlighting LGBTQ2+ musicians and artists. As if that weren’t enough, he also harnessed the power of technology to give birth to Unicorns.LIVE, a visionary digital platform showcasing diverse content and amplifying underrepresented voices. These dynamic ventures are transforming the virtual landscape, championing inclusiveness, and empowering communities during challenging times. Dustyn was also honoured as the 2020 Young LGBT+ Entrepreneur of the Year by the Canadian LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He’s a true visionary leading the charge for change.
Book a grant coaching session with Dustyn

 

 

Learn more about past Music Company recipients:

Searchable industry resources – vendors, grant writers, marketers, and other business and creative partners that can support your proposed project – all hosted on Creative BC’s Knowledge Hub:

and more!

Free, on-demand mentorship and support with business development, networking, marketing, and other elements of a successful Music Company project:

Please contact Creative BC staff with any questions about these resources.

If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact:

Shannon Hunt | Coordinator, Music Programs
Phone: 236-471-0138
Email: shunt@creativebc.com

Guidelines

Music Company Guidelines 2023/24

Review these guidelines before beginning your Music Company application.

Application Form

Music Company Application Form 2023/24

Start your application here.

Application Materials

Music Company Artist Roster + Client List 2023/24

Prepare your artist roster or client list for your application using this template. *Required.

Music Company Budget Template 2023/24

Complete your Music Company project budget using this template. *Required.

Music Company Sample Application 2023/24

Reference the application questions, save your work, and collaborate with others using this editable form.

Resources

Music Company Scoring Sheet 2023/24

Review the Music Company scoring criteria here.

Music Company Tip Sheet + FAQ 2023/24

Check out some of the frequently-asked questions about this program.

SWOT Analysis

Use this tool to identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats by assessing internal and external factors affecting your venture.

Business Model Canvas

Use this tool to set a visual representation of your business model.

SMART Goals

Use this tool to set your business goals and provide clarity and structure to your objectives.

Final Report Information for Recipients

The final report deadline for 2022/23 Music Company projects is June 30, 2024.

Music Company grant recipients are reminded to contact staff to obtain approval for proposed changes to their approved projects in advance, and prior to submitting their final reports.

Music Company Guidelines 2022/23

Music Company Final Report (online form)

Music Company Cost Report (Excel download)

Logo Use Approval Form (online form)