UPDATED: Nov 3/25 The Problem Not enough creators, such as musicians, earn a sustainable living. Money is being made in the music industry though. Yet, value leaks at every step—platforms, labels, ticketing, middlemen, venues—leaving artists with a fraction of what their music, time and hard word generates. Some artists lack clear, practical pathways to capture value ( make enough money ) quickly and directly. Can talented, hard working and committed musicians convert their l

Discover how private capital is reshaping Canada beyond the billionaire myth. Learn how AREA 81 wants to empower rural communities with private capital.

A series of videos about AREA 81. How it works, how it's evolving and how to get involved.

Yancey Strickler presents the vision and legal framework for Artist Corporations (A-Corps), a new corporate structure designed to empower artists and creators in the creative economy. | Published Sep 17, 2025 by  Metalabel Artist Corporations: The Vision, Law & Movement Key Insights A-Corps are a new corporate structure designed specifically for artists and creators, combining benefits of various existing structures while addressing their limitations. The structure provides a

But, we’ve lost 100,000 entrepreneurs—and 350,000 can’t get the financing they need. This raises the question: is BDC doing a good job? Rural entrepreneurs power Canada’s real economy—jobs, exports, main‑street vitality, and community pride. Yet we have 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs than 20 years ago and an estimated 350,000 who can’t access the financing they need. That gap is widest outside big cities, where distance, thin credit files, and unconventional models collide with

ROMA's Vision for Rural Ontario The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Strategic Plan 2024–2027  sets a clear path forward: Build municipal capacity  — finance, workforce, and innovation. Advance rural wellbeing  — through stronger infrastructure, housing, health, and broadband. Strengthen communications and convening  — so rural Ontario speaks with one voice In 2025, ROMA’s Board reinforced this agenda: Endorsing a rebrand  of rural Ontario as resilient, influential

The Problem Organizations everywhere are under growing pressure to prove their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Yet compliance today is fragmented and costly: Duplicative frameworks : UNGC Communication on Progress (CoP), UNCTAD Core Indicators (GCI), Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), and SDG Impact Standards all demand attention. SMEs lack expertise  and can’t afford expensive consultants. Public institutions struggle  to provide quality data for VN

Discover why angel investing in Canada is broken and how it impacts early-stage startups. Learn more about the challenges in angel investing in Canada.

Buying Local is an Act of Belief A Personal Introduction At AREA 81 , we’re building something rooted in belief — belief that rural entrepreneurship not only matters, but holds the key to our region’s future. We’re not fully established yet, but the vision is clear: a thriving, collaborative entrepreneurship and venture development ecosystem that turns bold ideas into enduring businesses, right here in Grey and Bruce (to start). Our Belief Capital campaign, and this blog pos