Creative BC opens $300,000 grant intake for early-stage game studios

British Columbia game companies with no more than one released title can request up to C$50,000 in non-repayable support. Applications opened September 18 and close November 2 at 4:00 p.m. PT.

The pilot program is aimed at companies developing their own creative IP and building the capacity to produce games over the long term. Applicants must be Canadian-owned, incorporated in British Columbia or federally with a B.C. head office, and majority-owned by B.C. residents. Companies with two or more released titles are directed to Creative BC's separate Video Games Business Development program.

At least 75% of the proposed costs must be spent on goods and services sourced within British Columbia. Eligible uses include promotion and marketing, user acquisition, labour, technology and design, legal or accounting advice, playtesting, and work to open foreign markets. The contribution can support company-level or project-level activity, but cannot be used to repay debt, cover operating deficits, buy property, or fund content the applicant does not control.

The application requires a business development plan, company and ownership information, a presentation deck of up to 10 pages, team details, a proposed budget and any additional financing. Applicants may submit once per annual intake, and recipients from the 2025 round cannot apply this year.

Awards are competitive and will be assessed by Creative BC staff and an external advisory panel. The published criteria include the clarity and impact of the funding request, creative quality, market potential and the applicant's contribution to the provincial games sector. Successful companies will normally receive the contribution in two drawdowns and have 12 months to complete the funded work.