Application Deadline: October 26, 2026 by 11:59 PM EDT
About the program
The BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media: Producers Edition (BANFF Spark) is a program designed to address the systemic gap in gender equality and representation by providing market access, training, and networking opportunities to help build more Canadian women-owned businesses.
The BANFF Spark program asks: How would the industry change with more women in ownership positions? How would the world’s media, and indeed the world, change?
By providing Canadian women entrepreneurs with customized workshops, networking, and market access opportunities and resources, BANFF Spark: Producers Edition will help support Canadian women-owned businesses to advance both domestically, and across the global media industry.
Since the program began in 2019, BANFF Spark has already provided opportunities for more than 300 women entrepreneurs. The program is open to all candidates and is designed to empower women of colour, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ women, and non-binary individuals.
BANFF Spark: Producers Edition provides a gateway to the global film and television industry through the Banff World Media Festival's (BANFF) renowned conference and marketplace. Attendance at BANFF will provide participants with unparallelled access to the Canadian and international industry, giving them a platform to pitch their projects, gain insight into the key issues and trends affecting the industry today, and network with senior decision-makers with the power to move their projects, and careers, forward.
Learn more about program Eligibility and Submission Guidelines.
All selected participants
- A full-access pass to the 2027 Banff World Media Festival (June 13-16, 2027) and its complement of top industry sessions and international marketplace.
- A $1500 stipend to put toward travel and accommodation costs associated with attending the BANFF Festival **(on the condition of in person attendance)
- Exclusive access to a full-day series of virtual business development workshops
- Networking opportunities with top industry professionals
- A complimentary digital ad space for Playback newsletter and website featuring Spark participants and their company
"The SPARK program is an excellent incentive for independent producers to be able to network and participate at Banff. As a small company, having the financial support from SPARK made it possible for me to attend and to participate in a significant way. I was very grateful to SPARK for the pass and the stipend. I had such a productive couple of days, and made many connections and the events that our group had special access to. On the whole I was extremely pleased with the program and the hard work the organizers put into getting us seen in this competitive marketplace."
- Paula Devonshire,
Devonshire Productions
"The Spark program has had a meaningful impact on both my professional development and the growth of Fiasco Global Media. Beyond the knowledge and connections gained through the workshops and the Banff World Media Festival, the program helped raise the profile of my company and reinforced our strategic direction. The opportunity to engage with experienced producers, broadcasters, distributors as a recognized Spark producer has already led to valuable relationships and ongoing conversations that I expect will continue to benefit both my career and our projects."
- Jennifer Beasley,
Fiasco Global Media
"We were part of an excellent cohort, and I am confident that the relationships we built will continue to grow and lead to future collaborations. This kind of 100% women-focused support is essential for our industry, as it creates opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, and advance their careers. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program and sincerely appreciate the support provided."
- Angélique Richer,
Productions Mustang Inc.
