Open Call: Go Global Micro-Grants

Manchester Music City has launched the ‘Go Global’ Micro-Grants, a new pilot programme supporting independent music professionals and small businesses in Greater Manchester to develop international opportunities and connections.

Supported by Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the micro-grants provide funding of up to £2,500 for international activity taking place between October 2026 and March 2027. This could include attending key industry events, exploring new markets, developing partnerships or working with international collaborators.

As part of a global network of Music Cities, Manchester Music City recognises the value of international exchange in strengthening Greater Manchester’s music ecosystem. Participants will share insights and learning from their experience, helping to inform future international activity across the city region.

The programme also recognises that international activity can be a new step for some applicants. Alongside the micro-grant, wraparound support will be available to help participants plan their trip, make the most of the opportunity and connect with relevant international networks.

Applications are open until Thursday 17 September, 11pm.

Who it’s for

Micro-grants are open to independent music professionals and small businesses based in Greater Manchester, including those working in:

Artist management and development
Live music, booking and promotion
Record labels and distribution
Music export, international development and strategy

This includes freelancers, sole traders and other self-employed music professionals, as well as small registered businesses such as limited companies, partnerships and CICs. For the purposes of this programme, small businesses are those with fewer than 10 employees. Sole traders, freelancers and other self-employed applicants do not need to have any employees to be eligible.

What can the micro-grants support?

You can apply for a micro-grant to support international activity taking place between October 2026 and March 2027.

This could include attending an international music event or conference, arranging strategic meetings around a showcase, exploring a new market, or working intensively with an international collaborator or partner.

The key is that your trip has a clear purpose, a tangible plan, and a commitment to sharing what you learn.

What the micro-grant covers

Successful applicants will receive funding of up to £2,500 towards eligible costs, such as:

Travel costs, including flights and rail travel
Accommodation
Event registration or delegate passes, including access to any available discounted rates
Other costs directly related to your proposed international activity, where agreed

Alongside the funding, optional one-to-one support will be available to help you plan and structure your trip, maximise the value of your opportunity and make connections with relevant international networks.

Shared learning

As this is a pilot initiative, successful applicants will contribute to evaluation and shared learning, helping us understand the impact of international exchange and shape future support for Greater Manchester’s music sector.

This will include:

A planning session to identify your aims and objectives
A post-trip evaluation to reflect on key learning, contacts and opportunities
A follow-up reflection approximately 12 months later to explore longer-term outcomes, partnerships and international activity resulting from the micro-grant

How to apply

Please complete an application form by Thursday 17 September, 11pm.

As part of your application, you’ll be asked to provide some information about you and your organisation, and to outline:

Your proposed activity – what you’re planning to do, why the opportunity is important at this stage, and what you want to achieve
Your budget – an estimated breakdown of the costs involved
Longer-term impact – how the opportunity could support your professional or organisational development beyond the trip
Shared learning – your willingness to take part in planning, evaluation and follow-up activities as part of the pilot

Applications can be submitted in writing or as audio or video recordings.

Decisions will be communicated by the end of September.

If you need any adjustments or support to complete your application, or would like to apply with support from a personal assistant or carer, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

Apply Now