Accelerator Programme for Music Managers
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music are delighted to announce that the ground-breaking Accelerator Programme for Music Managers will return in 2020, with applications now open, closing on the 25th October.
Application Form OPENS 15th OCTOBER – CLOSES 25TH OCT
The initiative is the world’s first independent funding and professional development programme designed solely for artist, songwriter and producer managers. It aims to increase the number of sustainable full-time management businesses operating in the UK, empowering them to work with a greater range of creative talent. Accelerator is aimed at UK based managers of all genres who are in full or part-time employment, looking to make the leap into full-time music management with their own company. If you are managing an artist, songwriter or producer and their business has a track record of proven income, you could be eligible for up to £15,000 in a bursary grant.
- The programme includes;
- up to £15,000 in funding support
- 12 months of manager-specific education courses covering everything from advanced digital marketing skills, negotiation techniques, managing mental health, legal skills, business management and much more.
- Free or low-cost legal advice, accounting advice and insurance services offered from a range of partners
- mentorship and masterclasses from world-class managers, agents, promoters and industry leaders
- funding to attend a music industry conference festival within Europe
- a Managers weekend retreat
As a participant on Accelerator, you will be expected to take part in a yearlong training programme with funded travel to attend courses, meetings, mentorship and a conference. There will be additional, optional seminars provided by MMF associates and you will receive all the benefits of MMF membership. You will also be able to benefit from low-cost or free business services from some of our partners.
Aims of the Programme
Eligibility Criteria
How To Apply
Application Form OPENS 15th OCTOBER – CLOSES 25TH OCT
Our Partners
FAQ
Aims of The Accelerator Programme for Music Managers
GROWTH To strengthen and stimulate UK based music management enterprises and support this growing sector, driving activity, artistic development, and investment.
DIVERSITY To enable a diverse talent pool of next-generation music managers in expanding their economic and cultural footprint within the UK and around the world.
SUPPORT To address investment gaps at key phases of managers’ company and industry development cycles.
SKILLS To develop key skill sets in the management community, through training and mentoring.
RESILIENCE To springboard self-sustainable businesses that can go on to develop multiple artist careers.
- You must be based in the UK
- You must be currently managing an artist, songwriter or producer. Artists can be based anywhere in the world and of any genre.
- You may be managing more than one creator
- You must have been working as a manager for at least 18 months as a freelancer or a company you own.
- You must have been working as a manager for at least 18 months as a freelancer or a company you own.
- The creator(s) you work with must have had at least £20,000 in gross income/turnover in total, including known pipeline income in the last 12 months.
- We welcome applications from managers who were previously unsuccessful applicants to the programme and meet the basic criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
The application process is in three stages;
STAGE 1 – Expression of Interest and Video application Open 15th – 25th October
This stage of the application is intended to give us an overview of your work and appropriateness for the programme. It comprises of two parts; some basic information and a five-minute video.
Basic information
How long have you been operating as a manager?
What is the gross income of your artists businesses over the past 12 months and a breakdown in which areas this income has been earned and any net profit made?
What is your personal income from management ONLY over the past 12 months?
What other work do you do besides artist management?
Which artists/music creators do you represent and links to the music?
Five-minute video
Your video must clearly cover the following areas;
How long have you been operating as a manager?
Tell us a bit about the artists you work with and how you came to work with them?
Tell us about an achievement or success you’ve had in the past 12 months
Tell us about a time you’ve failed in the past 12 months
The reason why you should you be an Accelerator Manager and give a brief outline of your plans over the next two years.
Application Form OPENS 15th OCTOBER – CLOSES 25TH OCT
STAGE 2 – 24-month Business Plan 4th – 18th November 2019
Applicants who are accepted on to Stage 2 will be expected to submit a short 24-month plan (January 2020 – December 2021). More details will be announced soon.
Fiona McGugan, Strategy and Operations Director, Music Managers Forum, who represent approximately 700 UK-based managers, said:
“MMF are absolutely thrilled that YouTube Music recognise the importance of Accelerator and that the programme will return next year. It has already offered a career-changing experience for 24 upcoming music managers, and we look forward to sharing some of the impact data and successes in time for the opening of 2020 applications on October 15th.
Roz Mansfield, YouTube Music Artist Partnerships Manager said:
“As well as supporting the next wave of British talent, we also want to support the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the industry function, grow and succeed. We at YouTube Music are so proud to be a sponsor of MMF and their Accelerator Programme and look forward to seeing what these talented managers go on to do next.”
For any further information or queries, please email accelerator@themmf.net
Is there a particular age I have to be to apply?
No you can be any age to apply.
If the act I work with is based in the England or Scotland, can I still apply even if I am not?
No, you need to be living in the UK in order to apply, but the act may be living somewhere else.
How professional does my five minute video need to be?
We are more interested in what you say in the video, that your skills in video production. The range of Stage 1 successful applicants video styles was very broad. Our advice is to keep the video clear, answer the questions required and within the five minute time-frame.
£20,000 seems like a lot to have earned, can I still apply if my act has not earned that much?
Don’t forget that this is gross income – as in anything the artist has received or is owed including PRS, PPL, sales, advances, streams, grants etc. If you sit down and work it all out, you may be surprised that you actually have earned this much or more.
What if I am working with a co-manager?
You can still apply if you are working in partnership with another manager. If you are both applying, please email accelerator@themmf.net to confirm the two names that are applying as a management partnership.
What if I manage two acts that between them have earned over £20,000 but not individually?
It is preferable that at least one of the acts you work with have earned over £20,000, however, we advise you still to apply and make a strong business case as to why you should be funded.
Do I need to have been working with the same act for the past 18 months?
Not necessarily, as long as you have been managing artists, songwriters or producers for 18 months or more, you are eligible to apply for the programme.
How much of the training and education programme will I be expected to attend over the 12 months?
You will be required to attend at least 80% of the training on offer and will have travel funded to attend. A full schedule of the programme will be made available in Round 2.
