Applications now open
A four-month development programme for independent music managers, supported by YouTube Music.
A four-month development programme for independent music managers, supported by YouTube Music.
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music are delighted to unveil MMF Hyperdrive, a new collaboration to fast-track the professional development of talented independent managers. The initiative replaces the groundbreaking Accelerator Programme, which has supported more than 150 UK-based managers with a unique combination of grant funding and expert-led training.
MMF Hyperdrive supported by YouTube Music aims to raise the bar even further, with a four-month programme (September 2026-January 2027) that fosters the same spirit of inclusivity, knowledge-sharing and community-building. Developed around comprehensive in-depth discussions looking at building capacity, business models and skills, participants will also receive advanced tutorials on YouTube’s latest services and AI productivity tools, as well as support to attend key conferences through a travel bursary, MMF events, and tickets to the 2026 Artist & Manager Awards. The activities will culminate in a dedicated three-day retreat and an opportunity to earn recognition through the MMF’s recently launched Manager Certification Programme.
MMF Hyperdrive will be open only to managers from across the UK with clients who turn over £50,000 or more and are running a growing business. Managers who work independently or within companies, either as employees or through joint ventures, are also encouraged to apply.
Applications open from Friday, 20th June 2026 and close on Friday, 31st July 2026 at 11.59 pm
Application Guidance can be found here
Further information on how you might develop your business plan can be found here
Programme at a glance
Practical support, funding and industry access to help independent music managers grow their businesses.
GROWTH To strengthen UK-based music management businesses through accessing networks and new opportunities.
DIVERSITY To enable a diverse talent pool of music managers to expand their economic and cultural footprint within the UK and around the world.
INNOVATION To develop new knowledge and skills essential to adapt and thrive in a changing music industry through structured training, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning.
Successful applicants will receive:
IS THERE A PARTICULAR AGE I HAVE TO BE TO APPLY?
Hyperdrive aims to help support managers with experience looking to grow and strengthen their business. We encourage applications from all age MMF Members above 18 years old. You must be able to demonstrate that you have been professionally working as a music manager for at least 18 months.
IF THE ACT I WORK WITH IS BASED IN THE UK, CAN I STILL APPLY EVEN IF I AM NOT?
No, you need to be living in the UK to apply and participate in the programme; however, the music makers you represent may be living anywhere in the world.
HOW PROFESSIONAL DOES MY FIVE-MINUTE VIDEO OR BUSINESS PLAN NEED TO BE?
We are more interested in what you say in the video/plan than your skills in video production or presentation. Using a cameraphone or laptop recording is adequate.
Our advice is to keep the documents clear, answer the set questions clearly, and keep videos within the five-minute time frame. If you have decided to submit a written plan, please keep it within the four pages required.
£50,000 SEEMS LIKE A LOT FOR MY CLIENTS TO HAVE EARNED. CAN I STILL APPLY IF MY ACT HAS NOT EARNED THAT MUCH?
We expect all eligible applications to meet these criteria. Don’t forget that this is GROSS income – as in anything your client(s) have received or are contractually owed. This can include money, for example, from performance royalties, merch sales, advances, streams, grants, live income, brand income, etc. If you sit down and work it all out, you may be surprised that your clients have turned over more than you thought.
WHAT IF I AM AN EMPLOYEE OF A MANAGEMENT COMPANY?
MMF Hyperdrive is available to all MMF members with direct responsibility for managing all aspects of music makers’ careers, rather than singular elements such as marketing, touring or A&R. This will usually mean they have responsibility for decision-making and on behalf of their clients hold relationships with accountants, lawyers, and agents.
WHAT IF I AM WORKING WITH A CO-MANAGER?
You can still apply if you are working in partnership with another manager, but we ask you to detail this in the application. If you are both applying as individuals, please email accelerator@themmf.net to confirm the names that are applying either as individuals or as management partnerships. If you are applying as a partnership representing the same artists, it is unlikely we will award two places on the MMF Hyperdrive. If in your partnership you are unsure which of you should apply, in general, it is suggested that it would be the co-manager more responsible for business relationships such as those with accountants, lawyers and strategy.
WHAT IF I MANAGE TWO ACTS THAT BETWEEN THEM HAVE EARNED OVER £50,000 BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY?
You will make a stronger application if you work with at least one act that has individually earned over £50,000. However, you are eligible if you reach this total across several music makers.
DO I NEED TO HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SAME ACT FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS?
No, as long as you have been managing artists, songwriters, producers or DJs for at least 18 months, you are eligible to apply for the programme.
HOW MUCH OF THE TRAINING AND EVENT PROGRAMME WILL I BE EXPECTED TO ATTEND OVER THE 6 MONTHS?
You will be expected to attend regular events and training opportunities, and the two-night retreat. Events take place in London, and MMF will reimburse you for travel, accommodation, and other agreed-upon costs for attendance. Dates will be provided in advance and take place between September 2026 and January 2027.