At a time when Canada is facing rapid changes and uncertainty, and as the trading system that powered our country's prosperity for decades is being reshaped, the Government of Canada is choosing to invest in our creative industries, businesses and workers.
Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament (Spadina-Harbourfront), announced today a total investment of $5.2 million for 23 recipients through the Creative Export Canada Program's Export-Ready Stream. Ms. Nguyen made the announcement at the Kotn brand apparel and home goods store in Toronto on behalf of the Government of Canada. She also met with LOFT Entertainment and eight other Toronto-based recipients at the event.
Kotn will receive $595,500 in funding to build brand awareness, generate new export revenue, and introduce Canadian, sustainability-driven fashion in the United Kingdom. The company targets urban Gen Z and millennial consumers who prioritize ethical production, timeless design, and transparency. This project represents Kotn's first major international growth initiative outside of North America.
LOFT Entertainment will receive $403,000 to build a partnership with BIG FAMILY-a songwriter- and producer-owned publishing label, and management company based in Los Angeles and London-to help release four label artists' new musical works in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. This partnership will be the company's first foray into publishing and record label operations.
This eighth annual cohort of the Export-Ready Stream also supports 21 other innovative projects by businesses and organizations in Toronto and across Canada. This includes support for 10 creative businesses and organizations from equity-deserving communities. See the attached backgrounder for funding details of the selected projects.
Creative Export Canada's Export-Ready Stream provides support to Canadian companies and organizations for projects which will help them to grow, generate export revenues and reach new markets worldwide. The program focusses on increasing the export profits of Canada's creative industries in the artistic craft, audiovisual, design, music, performing arts, publishing, visual art, and interactive digital media sectors.
These investments will help strengthen Canada's economy and sovereignty, building on our position as the second-best country in the G20 for doing business with the world over the next five years.
