Short Description

The Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs is an exclusive opportunity for OCAD U students and recent alumni to receive funding to help launch or grow their creative business. We support creative businesses in all the possible forms they can take. Recipients will be awarded up to $6,000 to help launch their business.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be:

  • Current OCAD U students, or recent alumni from any program of study who have graduated in 2023 or later
  • If your business idea involves personnel from outside OCAD U, then one co-founder must meet the above qualifications
  • Your idea or business has not yet received more than $10,000 in funding or revenue at the time of
    application

Submission Requirements

  • Applicant Details
  • (1500 characters max) Describe your business idea
  • (1000 characters max) Describe successes or milestones you have achieved to date. Outline some challenges you face in realizing your business ideas.
  • (1000 characters max) Describe at least one customer segment
  • (1000 characters max) Describe the channels – the ways you will engage, attract, and secure your customers
  • (1000 characters max) Describe how you plan to balance costs needed to run the business versus the revenue
  • (1000 characters max) Describe 3 milestones you need to achieve
  • (Optional, 1000 characters max) If you or your co-founders have a connection to Brampton, you are eligible for the Brampton Arts Organization Prize.
  • (Optional, 1000 characters max) If your business tackles a social problem, describe the social problem your business addresses and how your idea tackles or solves this problem

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

  • First place will receive $6,000
  • Second place will receive $5,000
  • Third place will receive $4,000
  • A business with a connection to Brampton will be eligible for the Brampton Arts Organization Prize and receive $2,000
  • A social enterprise will be awarded the Ample Labs Prize and receive $1,000 CAD

Entry Fee

None

Location

Toronto, Canada

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 12 January 2026

Website Link: https://www.ocadu.ca/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/creative-entrepreneurship/seed-fund

Fund