The bookstore support initiative will help cover the costs for bookstores to develop their online book sales.
GATINEAUQC, March 11, 2022 /CNW/ – The Honorable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the launch of a new funding initiative to help Canadian booksellers increase their capacity to sell books online, in order to strengthen the sustainability of their operations following the COVID19 pandemic.
The government of from Canada the new Support for Booksellers component of the Canada Book Fund will invest $32.1 million in bookstores over two years for expenses related to the sale of books online and to help these bookstores improve their online business models. New funds will also support community projects that build industry capacity for selling Canadian books online. Support for these projects will be provided through the existing Support to Organizations component.
The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a surge in demand for selling books online, leading to logistical challenges and additional labor, technology, and shipping costs. Investments are needed to help Canadian booksellers improve their online business models. This will help them be more competitive in the digital marketplace and continue to put Canadian books in the hands of readers. Sales of Canadian books online benefit the entire book industry, from authors to publishers to booksellers.
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“During the pandemic, Canadians have purchased more Canadian books, proving that our authors and publishers are more important than ever to sharing our stories. Our government is proud to provide this important funding to Canadian booksellers to support the growth of their online sales channels, so they can remain competitive in the digital marketplace.”
—The Honorable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Fast facts
The Canada Book Fund ensures access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books nationally and internationally by investing in a strong book industry that publishes and markets Canadian books.
Each year, the Canada Book Fund helps publishers produce approximately 6,500 new Canadian-authored books, employ nearly 2,500 people and generate $400 million in turnover, of which $125 million are export sales to nearly 100 international markets.
Funding to bookstores through Support for Booksellers will be allocated based on past sales of Canadian-authored books.
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2022-23 financial year is April 25, 2022.
Related links
Support for booksellers
Support for organizations
Canada Book Fund
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: (media only), please contact: Laura Scaffidi, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]|
