MMF Accelerator Programme

More Info & Application

Backed by YouTube Music, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Music Industry Association, the MMF’s Accelerator programme is a ground-breaking grants and education programme, supporting 20+ UK-based music managers annually.

Accelerator has supported 67 independent managers since 2019 and created a strong track record of success and sustainability. This year’s cohort represent more than 70 acts across all genres including Blinkie, Shygirl, Idlewild, Mirra May, Jaykae, Employed to Serve, Hamzaa and Porridge Radio. Accelerator alumni includes the managers of Joy Crookes, Wes Nelson, Nafe Smallz, Dry Cleaning, The Staves, Puma Blue, Michael Price, Moses Boyd and Joesef.

Launched in January 2019, Accelerator has the goal of helping independent music managers develop long-term sustainable businesses. Recognising the increasingly pivotal role of the music manager and the need to access finance and skills development in a fast moving industry, the programme provides both financial and educational support. Accelerator offers 12-month grants of up to £15,000, alongside expert-led professional development. Despite the horrific and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020’s and 2021’s participants have exhibited incredible resilience.

Applications for the 2022 Round Now Closed

Testimonials

Claire Mera-Nelson, Director Music – Arts Council

“There was a real vision there, there is amazing sector leadership here because there’s an insight into where the intervention is needed.” 

Paul Craig – MMF Chair / Nostromo Management (Biffy Clyro)

“Accelerator has become a real jewel in the crown project and is the only grants and education programme of its kind, providing much needed support to the next generation of music managers.”

Chris Cooke, Managing Director – CMU Limited (Accelerator education partner and author of Dissecting the Digital Dollar) 

“There are now many more ways that artists can build a business around their music – which is very exciting – however that generally means those artists need managers who have a big picture view of the business, are up to speed on all the latest developments and who have built a network across the industry. That’s a challenge for early-career managers who are often working with early-career artists whose businesses are not yet generating huge revenues. The MMF Accelerator programme is brilliant at providing the exact right support at the exact right time, helping each participating manager to access the knowledge, insights and networks they need, both to successfully grow their artists’ businesses, and to build a long-term sustainable management career for themselves.”

Loretta Andrews, Manager of Guvna B (Accelerator Programme, 2019)

“This year is when I’ve got to go for it and in a way it’s put the onus on me that I have to make this work … it’s a calculated risk, because there’s not just the money, but the training and the network.” 

Louie Curran, Manager of Joy Anonymous (Accelerator Programme, 2020)

“I had no knowledge of deal negotiation and knowledge of contract intricacies before the course and learnt so much throughout. This has meant that when these deals came on the table I was super clear on what all the terms meant etc and how to negotiate from there.”