The Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI) is a two-year, $200-million national fund to help major Canadian festivals survive and adapt to the pandemic. It will also help position them for post-pandemic economic recovery and growth.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding under the MFESI, organizations must demonstrate an annual revenue exceeding $10 million.
Non repayable loans from the MFESI will be available to non-profit organizations to:
- meet liquidity needs to ensure continued operations or adapt activities to new realities and requirements related to the pandemic
- enhance product and experience offerings so that they can better position themselves to move into the new economy, in compliance with current health standards as defined by the relevant public authorities
For Canadian festival and cultural event organizations that don't qualify for funding through the MFESI, additional support is available through Canadian Heritage with the Reopening Fund and the Recovery Fund for Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Sport Sectors.
To apply
Due to the specific eligibility criteria of the funding, the MFESI will be delivered by four of seven regional development agencies.
If you qualify for funding, see the following resources:
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
For businesses located in Quebec
1-800-561-0633
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
For businesses located in Southern Ontario
1-866-593-5505
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
For businesses located in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
1-888-338-9378
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
For businesses located in British Columbia
1-604-666-6256
COVID-19 safety
The safety and security of Canadians remain this government’s top priority. In order to qualify for the fund, organizations must commit to respecting important safety guidelines when they open.
Other funding support measures
Other support measures are available to you! Visit Managing your business during COVID-19 to learn more.