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FACTOR Announces $2M Investment in Live Music Sector. Investment aims to strengthen cultural sovereignty for Canadian-owned promoters & festivals.

FACTOR’s objective of fostering an environment where “a diversity of Canadian music artists connect with audiences everywhere” is reinforced by today’s announcement of two new programs to strengthen cultural sovereignty by investing in Canadian artists, live music and music festivals.

The Promoter Program and Festival Program are intended to share investment risk with companies that have a proven track record of successfully presenting Canadian artists and keeping diverse Canadian voices and communities at the centre of the live music experience, helping ensure stages are shaped by homegrown talent and values.

FACTOR has identified the need to invest in Canadian professionals who connect artists with fans, as they play a crucial role in shaping how audiences discover and experience homegrown music and culture. By investing in Canadian promoters, the program targets a critical leverage point in the live music industry, ensuring that those who craft lineups and touring opportunities are equipped and incentivized to build more inclusive Canadian programming.

“In this moment, supporting the Canadian businesses that help shape our identity is more important than ever,” said Meg Symsyk, President & CEO of FACTOR. “At a time of rising costs and increased competition from foreign-owned companies, this support will enable our promoters and festivals to continue bringing Canadian artists to stages across the country and marketing those performances effectively, helping artists grow their audiences and careers.”

Guidelines for the Promoter & Festival programs will launch at factor.ca on April 30, 2026.

Application deadline will be 5:00 PM ET on Thursday,  June 11, 2026.