Groundwork: Live Promoter Development Program
Learn the business. Build the scene. Amplify your impact.
A FREE professional development program for emerging live music promoters, Groundwork begins with a full-day, in-person mentorship session on Saturday, February 21, 2026, followed by two virtual workshops, virtual one-on-one mentorship, and a series of live shows presented throughout 2026 by the cohort. Upon successful completion of the program (event execution), Groundwork promoters will receive a grant of $5,000 from the City of Hamilton.
During the program, promoters will:
- Develop essential business skills for presenting and promoting successful live shows, including budgeting, marketing and show advancing.
- Identify personal strengths and challenges related to programming, promotion, and running their own live-music businesses.
- Build a support network with fellow promoters and access ongoing mentorship from Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) upon program completion.
- Curate, promote and present two live shows in Hamilton – one collaboratively with the cohort and one independently – in 2026.
How to Apply
The application deadline is January 19, 2026. Early applications are encouraged!
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be passionate about promoting live music in Hamilton!
- Be 18 or older
- Be a resident of Hamilton
- Be an emerging live music promoter
- Have some experience presenting live music (of any genre) in Hamilton in the past two years
- Be prepared to execute an event or concert utilizing Hamilton-based musicians
- Be available for all mentorship sessions:
Saturday, February 21, 10am – 4pm (Visitor Experience Centre, Hamilton)
Thursday, February 26, 7pm – 8:30pm (virtual)
Thursday, March 12, 7pm – 8:30pm (virtual)
Groundwork is presented by the City of Hamilton and created in partnership with CMI.
APPLICATions closed
