City of Mississauga: Live Music Grant Pilot Program (Canada)

The LM program results from the City of Mississauga’s Music Strategy and is designed to help increase the number and frequency of live music events in Mississauga. 2025 marks the third and final year of the pilot. Following the pilot, City of Mississauga staff will assess the impact and return on investment of the funding to make recommendations on a permanent live music grant stream. The LM program also aligns with the vision of Mississauga’s Culture Master Plan to enhance the live music sector. The City is committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of culture and the quality of life for its residents.

Eligible Expenses

• Artist/Performance Fees
• Facility/Venue Rentals (excludes applications from venues, bars and restaurants)
• Marketing & Promotion Expenses
• A/V technicians/staffing
• A/V equipment rentals

Eligibility Criteria

• LM grants provide assistance in two categories; new concert presenters and established concert presenters. Presenters must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • New Concert Presenters
    • The “concert presenter” can be a musician, music venue, bar, restaurant, or concert production business.
    • Concerts must feature a minimum of 50% Mississauga-based musicians (for musical groups, 50% of the members must be based in Mississauga.)
    • Concerts must take place in Mississauga.
    • Operating on a for-profit model.
  • Established Concert Presenters
    • Operating for four years or more.
    • The “concert presenter” can be a musician, music venue, bar, restaurant or concert production business.
    • Concerts must feature a minimum of 50% Mississauga-based musicians (for musical groups, 50% of the members must be based in Mississauga).
    • Concerts must take place in Mississauga.
    • Operating on a for-profit model.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Grants are not available for:
  • Events held outside the city of Mississauga;
  • Events already funded through other City programs;
  • Events whose primary theme or focus is not live music;
  • Business Improvement Areas (BIAs);
  • Sports and athletic events, runs, or walks;
  • Religious rites and ceremonies;
  • Contests and competitions;
  • Demonstrations, marches, or rallies;
  • Trade shows and trade fairs;
  • Conferences, workshops, training and professional development;
  • Block parties, picnics, garden shows, street markets, or carnivals;
  • Stand-alone parades;
  • Concerts that are not open to the general public;
  • Retroactive expenses or accumulated deficits;
  • Capital projects;
  • Organizations or activities that the City deems may promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any individual or entity.

Application Requirements

• Your application must include the following:
  • Answers to all the questions listed in the application
    • Including performance measures and targets related to your goals
  • Completed financial and statistical reporting sections
    • Include signed copy of detailed project budget
• All required supporting documentation

For more information, visit City of Mississauga.