Across eight evening sessions, participating companies will strengthen their business and marketing plans, budgets, financing strategies, and pitch materials. Workshops, practical work blocks, and individualized feedback will help teams prepare to present their projects and pursue development financing.

October 13 to November 5, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 PM
Hybrid delivery: OBAC Studio in Toronto (276 Carlaw Avenue), with virtual access via Zoom

Session One: Orientation & IP Fund
Meet your fellow cohort and learn about the Ontario Creates Futures Forward grant and IP Fund. An Ontario Creates representative will introduce funding guidelines and expectations. Teams will introduce their projects through brief informal pitches and begin identifying priorities for your project-specific action plans.

Session Two: Business Fundamentals
Explore how producers structure and grow sustainable companies in Canada. Participants will examine production company business models, revenue streams, partnerships, and intellectual property ownership, then apply these insights to your company’s business plan and long-term goals.

Session Three: Financial Structures & Budgeting
Build your understanding of public and private funding sources, financing structures, tax credits, and production cash flow. Learn how funding sources fit together and explore budgeting fundamentals for development and production, with time for practical work and small-group feedback.

Session Four: Building Financial & Budget Plans
Apply financial planning principles to your project’s budget and financing plan. Explore what lenders look for when assessing companies and projects, how to prepare for financial partnerships, and how to strengthen your company’s operational finances.

Session Five: Pitch Development & Marketing Plan
Strengthen your project’s positioning for broadcasters, distributors, funders, and executive producers. Refine your pitch package, identify your audience and market potential, and develop materials that clearly communicate your creative vision and project’s value.

Session Six: Mock Pitches & Grant Application Plan
Practice presenting your project through a mock pitch and receive feedback from an industry expert and your peers. Use a dedicated session to refine your materials, and receive guidance on the Futures Forward grant application process with an Ontario Creates representative.

Session Seven: Prep & Polish
Participate in scheduled 1:1 office hours with the program’s lead facilitator to review your application materials, assess readiness, and identify final improvements. Refine your pitch deck, budget, and business and marketing plans ahead of the live pitch and executive-producer networking session.

Session Eight: Live Pitch & Executive Producer Match
Present your project to a panel of industry professionals and your peers. Participate in an evening of networking and matchmaking with qualifying executive producers. Receive project feedback, and identify practical next steps beyond the program.

These conversations provide opportunities to explore potential working relationships. Executive-producer attachment and funding are not guaranteed.

Guest speakers and detailed session activities are subject to change.