A vital funding round is now open, with the Music Export Growth Scheme offering £1.6 million to support independent UK artists in reaching new global audiences. This news provides a significant boost for the music business, and many popular artists have benefited from this invaluable scheme before. The program aims to enhance British music’s international presence and drives economic growth for entrepreneurs. This news is important for the entire music industry, offering crucial Artist export grants.
What is the Music Export Growth Scheme?
The MEGS initiative began in 2014 as a joint venture managed by the BPI and backed by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Music Export Growth Scheme helps small and medium-sized music companies boost their artists’ profiles overseas. This scheme targets projects with UK success, aiming to expand their international reach. Grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, with companies required to contribute to funding; grants cover up to 50% of campaign costs. The goal is to foster global fanbases and amplify British creativity worldwide, making the Music Export Growth Scheme a key part of UK music strategy and offering independent artist support.
Government Investment Fuels Music Exports Through the Music Export Growth Scheme
The UK government recognizes music as a major export, and this new funding round is part of that vision. The Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are jointly funding this important initiative, highlighting government support for the arts and a commitment to the music business. The scheme has already invested significant funds, with over £7.6 million previously awarded to support more than 450 artists. The latest £1.6 million from the Music Export Growth Scheme is crucial, enabling more artists to go global and supporting many aspiring entrepreneurs in their global music expansion.
Proven Economic Impact and ROI of the Music Export Growth Scheme
The Music Export Growth Scheme has a remarkable track record, generating substantial returns for the UK economy. It has already created an estimated £73.5 million, delivering nearly £14 for every £1 invested. This impressive return on investment (ROI) proves the scheme’s financial success. The funding helps artists earn more abroad, with this revenue flowing back into the UK to support jobs and business growth. Music exports are worth billions to the UK, and the Music Export Growth Scheme plays a key role in this success, showcasing the power of British music and contributing to music business growth.
Who Can Apply and How to Access Music Export Growth Scheme Grants?
Independent UK music companies that are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply. The artists they represent should have achieved reasonable impact in the UK. The grants from the Music Export Growth Scheme are for overseas activities only, including international touring and promotion, as well as marketing campaigns to attract new fans and boost touring opportunities and revenue. This round sees strengthened criteria and enhanced due diligence processes, with new self-declaration measures in place to ensure the scheme’s integrity. Applications are open now, with the deadline for Round 24 being December 15, 2025. Companies must submit claims by March 31, 2026, and all funded activities must finish by September 30, 2026, for this important part of the BPI music scheme.
A Roll Call of Success Stories Supported by the Music Export Growth Scheme
Many popular British artists owe their global reach to the Music Export Growth Scheme. Past recipients include world-famous acts like Dave and Ezra Collective, Young Fathers, and Wolf Alice. Beabadoobee, Bicep, Rina Sawayama, Self Esteem, Jungle, Kae Tempest, and Nubiyan Twist have also received support, along with newer beneficiaries like Wunderhorse, Fat Dog, and Coach Party. These artists have achieved significant international acclaim, won major awards such as the Mercury Prize, and their global success showcases British talent, demonstrating the Music Export Growth Scheme‘s effectiveness for every artist and contributing to the strength of the British music industry.
The Bigger Picture: Global Competition and Opportunity for the British Music Industry
The global music market is highly competitive, with other countries actively supporting their artists. Rising international touring costs present a challenge, making global expansion difficult. The Music Export Growth Scheme provides crucial financial backing, helping independent artists overcome these barriers and ensuring British music remains a global force. It supports the UK’s creative industries, which are a major economic contributor worth billions to the UK. This funding helps maintain that status, amplifies British culture abroad, and creates business opportunities, offering vital international music promotion.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Global Stardom Through the Music Export Growth Scheme
The Music Export Growth Scheme is a critical resource, and its latest funding round offers a new chance for independent UK artists to expand their international careers. The £1.6 million will support many acts, and this news is highly anticipated by the music community, promising exciting growth for artists and reinforcing the UK’s reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation. The scheme is essential for this legacy, helping new talent shine on the world stage and providing key investment for the future of UK music business, thus solidifying its role in global music expansion.
