Grant Opportunity - Setting the Stage by Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA)
A micro-grant “Mentorship and Performance” program, sponsored by RBC.
Deadline: November 21, 2025
Building on the success of its 2024 pilot program, the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) is pleased to announce the second edition of Setting the Stage, a micro-grant mentorship and performance program supported by RBC.
Setting the Stage is open to independent live music venues, concert promoters, festivals, and/or others whose core business is hosting and/or promoting live music shows of artists and musicians for audiences. Applicants must be members of the CLMA to apply.
The program is designed to help emerging artists reduce barriers, strengthen industry relationships, and establish a foundation for sustainable career growth.
Each participant benefits from funded mentorship, consisting of internal guidance from a senior staff member at the host organization and external mentorship from an industry professional.
- Key goals of the program include:
- Practical skill development through hands-on mentorship
- Long-term industry network building
- Audience growth through professional performance opportunities
Applications will be accepted from independent CLMA-member promoters, venues, and festivals, in partnership with the chosen artist(s). The proposed concert may be newly booked or pre-existing. Mentorship and performance activities must take place between January 1 and March 28, 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application in advance of submission, please reach out to settingthestage@canadianlivemusic.ca.
For more information, click here - https://www.canadianlivemusic.ca/setting-the-stage
Deadlines
November 21, 2025 — Deadline to request initial feedback on project ideas and draft proposals
November 30, 2025 — Final application deadline
