News release

Grants Help Creative Sector Export to New Markets

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Nova Scotia’s creative industries have proven themselves on the world stage and have potential for even more growth. That is why government is helping small businesses in the creative sector bring their products to global markets.

The Creative Industries Fund provides grants to businesses to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs. So far this year, $1.8 million has been awarded to 76 businesses.

“Growth and export opportunities for our province’s arts and culture sector are countless,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “Our artists, designers, musicians, playwrights, authors and publishers are some of our province’s richest resources – resources we will continue to invest in.”

Tabitha Osler is using funding she received to help grow her fashion design business, Faire Child Makewear and export products to Europe, the United States and Asia. The Nova Scotia start-up company produces a line of children’s outwear made from 100 per cent recycled materials and ships products worldwide.

Erin Costelo of Halifax is a singer-songwriter, producer and owner of Venue Records. She is using the investment to help her Nova Scotia based business grow national and international exposure.

Quotes:

"As a small business owner, funding through the Creative Industries Fund has been fundamental for the growth of Faire Child. With the support of the fund, we are experiencing success including finding the appropriate product market fit. We now export to Europe, the United States, Japan and South Korea."

– Tabitha Osler, owner, Faire Child Makewear

“With the Creative Industries Fund investment, we are building a label brand that has now signed its second artist, Leanne Hoffman. Funding is supporting national and international music touring, producing Juno and East Coast Music Association nominated albums and creating nationally televised content. Launching Venue Music and Recordings on the international stage and bringing the work of our artists to fans around the world would not be possible without support received from the fund."

– Erin Costelo, CEO, Venue Records

Quick Facts:

  • eligible businesses include: fashion/design, film, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, visual arts and book publishing
  • the fund has a $2 million budget for 2019-20
  • the grant program launched in 2016
  • applications are accepted year-round
  • Faire Child Makewear received an investment of $63,391 to increase production capacity
  • Venue Records received an investment of $37,000 to promote itself through marketing and touring, increase production expertise through an international mentorship program and hire part-time staff
  • in Nova Scotia, the culture sector is valued at $929 million and provides more than 13,000 jobs

Additional Resources:

Creative Industries Fund application: https://novascotia.ca/programs/creative-industries-fund/

Driving awareness and economic growth of the culture sector is a key theme in Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: https://novascotia.ca/culture/