Apply for Arts Council England’s Music Growth Funds

Arts Council England has announced two new funds to help music businesses and creators reach new audiences, develop their skills and grow: the Music Growth Fund and the Music Creators Growth Fund.

Here’s what’s available, who can apply and how to get started.

Music Growth Fund

Run a grassroots venue, promote gigs, manage artists, or organise a music festival? The Music Growth Fund offers grants from £1,000 to £100,000 to help eligible music businesses grow.

Funding can be used to help you reach wider audiences, develop your team’s skills, expand what your business can deliver or build a more sustainable operation. For the people bringing new music to the stage, it’s an opportunity to invest in what comes next.

There are two funding levels:

• £1,000 – £40,000: you’ll need to provide at least 25% of the total project budget as cash match funding.
• £40,001 – £100,000: that contribution rises to at least 50% of the total project budget.

You’ll need a track record in your chosen applicant category and a clear case for how the investment will support growth.

The next deadlines are Thursday 1st October 2026 for the larger grants and Thursday 15th October 2026 for the smaller grants.

Explore the Music Growth Fund guidance and application rounds.

Music Creators Growth Fund

For artists, bands, DJs, producers, songwriters and composers, the Music Creators Growth Fund offers grants from £10,000 to £20,000 for activities lasting up to 18 months.

This fund can help with costs associated with recording, releasing and promoting new music, touring, building industry connections and developing business skills. 

This fund is aimed at creators with an established professional track record. Eligibility includes at least three years of active music creation and a minimum of £5,000 earned from music creation in one full financial year within the last three, alongside further evidence requirements.

You’ll also need at least 25% of your total project budget in cash match funding. Managing an artist who could benefit? Share the guidance with them: applications must use the creator’s own applicant profile.

The first round opens on Thursday 1st October and closes on Thursday 29th October 2026. 

Read the Music Creators Growth Fund guidance.

Ready to make your next move?

Start with the Music Growth Package applicant pages and choose the category that fits you or your business. Read both the relevant applicant guidance and the fund’s general requirements, then prepare your budget and supporting evidence.

Register early. You’ll need an approved profile on Arts Council England’s grants system before applying, and validation can take up to 10 working days. Follow the application instructions linked from your chosen fund’s guidance.

Based in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales? Check the additional eligibility guidance before planning your application.