Music Growth Fund

The Music Growth Fund is Arts Council England's money for music businesses — not for artists directly, but for record labels, managers, promoters, publishers, festivals, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, grassroots venues and sector-support organisations — to build capacity around new music made by living, UK-based artists. If you're an artist, band or producer applying on your own behalf, this fund isn't for you; a separate Music Creators Growth Fund covers that.

Two strands run side by side. Grants of £1,000 to £40,000 need at least 25% cash match funding from your own income, sponsorship or other sources — not in-kind support, and not existing staff salaries; grants above that, up to £100,000, need 50% cash match. Money can go toward programming, workforce development, organisational capacity, UK and limited international showcasing, equipment and software, or research into new ways of working — but not formal education, wellness programmes, podcasts, or anything mainly generating private profit.

You apply online with narrative answers of 250–700 words covering your plan, track record, reach, equity steps, partnerships and environmental impact, plus a balanced budget; the larger strand also wants a finance template and recent accounts. The smaller strand runs ten rounds a year; the next closes 15 October 2026.

Panels score growth potential, contribution to a fairer industry, effective use of funds, and climate impact, then balance the final list for geography and underrepresented applicants.