Applications have opened for the second round of the Music Managers Forum and YouTube Music's Accelerator Programme For Music Managers.
The scheme offers bursaries of up to £15,000 and over 100 hours of professional mentoring, training and masterclasses to UK-based music managers. It is also supported by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Music Industry Association.
Aiming to increase the number of sustainable full-time music management businesses operating in the UK and to empower those companies to work with a greater range of creative talent, the first batch of 24 managers to benefit from the scheme was announced in January this year. Since then, they have increased their collective number of clients by 20% and scored new label, publishing, touring and sync deals across their rosters.
The next round of beneficiaries will also receive a travel bursary to attend a European music conference, to help them develop their businesses internationally.
Paul Bonham, who has overseen the Accelerator Programme for the MMF, says: "I've been genuinely THRILLED to see Accelerator's impact on the lives and livelihoods of our first 24 participants. As much as the funding and masterclasses they've received, what's really impressed is the bond and network they've forged".
He goes on: "With the support of YouTube Music, Arts Council England and the SMIA, and so much generous support for industry speakers and partners, we're laying strong foundations for the future of music management - and therefore benefitting artists, writers and producers too".
Applications to be part of next year's programme close on 25 Oct. Find out more here.