Quebecers launch Canada-wide influencers association

Association of Influencers Genevieve Beaudry speaks about what the organization does and why it was necessary.

There’s a new association representing Canadian influencers and content creators, offering resources and pushing to legitimize the work as a career path.

Geneviève Beaudry, founder and president of the Canadian Influencers and Content Creators Association (CICCA), says content creation isn’t just a hobby or a part-time job.

“It’s gaining credibility, they’re a business. They’re handling all these things alone as solo entrepreneurs,” says Beaudry.

She adds that influencers don’t necessarily have access to the same standardized resources as other businesses like group insurance and telehealth, which CICCA will offer.

Content creators also often handle their own customer service, accounting, invoices and outreach, says Beaudry.

CICCA was created to offer templates and support in these areas. It all started with Beaudry helping out an influencer friend and getting more and more requests from people who needed the support.

The organization, officially launched Monday, provides mentorship, skills development and programs designed to help creators navigate brand partnerships, contracts and content rights.

It will also advocate to raise industry standards and protect creators’ content.

According to CICCA, there are about 900,000 content creators in Canada doing marketing, communications, and user-generated content.

“Creators are at the heart of modern storytelling, culture, and marketing, but many are still navigating this industry without a real guide,” says Beaudry.

Goldman Sachs expects the global creator economy will be worth $480 billion by 2027.

“Canada must play an active role in the evolution of this sector, ensuring that influencers and creators have the tools, protections, and professional standards they need to succeed,” says CICCA.

To join the association, influencers need to have 5,000 followers in total across all platforms and cannot purchase fake followers.

Alongside professional benefits, members will have access to a “job board” with paid partnership opportunities, discounts, networking and events.

With files from CTV News Montreal’s Caroline van Vlaardingen