Open Call: Go Global Micro-Grants Programme (UK)

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The Go Global Micro-Grant Programme provides funding for independent music professionals and small businesses in Greater Manchester to pursue international opportunities, develop new connections, and explore overseas markets. The programme is designed to help Greater Manchester’s music professionals build international relationships and gain valuable market knowledge. Recipients are expected to bring the insights and learning gained from their international activities back to the wider music sector in the region.

About the Go Global Micro-Grant Programme

The Go Global Micro-Grant Programme supports independent music professionals, freelancers, sole traders, and small music businesses seeking to undertake international activity for a clear professional, business, or strategic purpose.

The programme aims to:

- Develop new international connections. - Help music professionals explore international markets. - Strengthen international networks. - Support participation in relevant overseas opportunities. - Bring international knowledge and insights back to Greater Manchester. - Contribute to the development of the wider regional music sector. Optional one-to-one support is also available to help recipients plan their international trips and identify relevant international networks. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants can receive a micro-grant of up to: - £2,500 per applicant - Funding for eligible international activity taking place between October 2026 and March 2027 The funding can be used toward eligible costs directly connected to the proposed international activity. What Costs Can the Grant Cover? The micro-grant can support eligible expenses associated with international professional activity.

Examples include:

- Travel. - Accommodation. - Event registration. - Other expenses directly related to eligible international activity. Applicants should ensure that requested costs are directly connected to the professional, business, or strategic purpose of their proposed international activity. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible independent music professionals and small businesses based in Greater Manchester.

Eligible applicants include:

- Independent music professionals. - Freelancers. - Sole traders. - Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. - Not-for-profit organisations. - Limited companies. - Partnerships. - Community Interest Companies (CICs). Applicants should be working in relevant areas of the music sector, such as artist management, live music, record labels, music export, and international development. What Music Activities Are Supported? The programme is intended for international activity that has a clear professional, business, or strategic purpose.

Relevant areas can include:

- Artist management. - Live music. - Record labels. - Music export. - International development. - International networking and market exploration. The focus is on developing international opportunities and connections rather than general artist development. International Activity Period Funded activities must take place between October 2026 and March 2027. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed travel, events, meetings, market exploration, or other international activity falls within this period. Professional and Strategic Purpose The Go Global Micro-Grant Programme is intended to support international activity that has a clear professional, business, or strategic purpose. The funding is not intended primarily for artist development.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- Why the international activity is relevant to their work. - Which professional or business opportunity they are pursuing. - What international connections they hope to develop. - Which markets or networks they want to explore. - How the activity could benefit their future work. - How the learning will be shared with the wider Greater Manchester music sector. Optional One-to-One Support Grant recipients can access optional one-to-one support to help them make the most of their international activity.

This support can assist recipients with:

- Planning their trips. - Identifying relevant international networks. - Preparing for international opportunities. - Connecting with appropriate contacts. The support is intended to complement the financial assistance provided through the micro-grant. What Will Successful Applicants Be Expected to Do? Recipients are expected to participate in activities designed to capture and share the learning gained from their international work.

These include:

- Planning sessions. - Post-trip evaluations. - A follow-up reflection. The purpose is to help recipients reflect on their international experience and share useful insights that can help inform future international support for Greater Manchester’s music sector. Sharing Learning With the Music Sector An important part of the programme is bringing international knowledge back to Greater Manchester. Recipients will be expected to reflect on their experiences and share relevant learning from their international activity. This can help identify useful international connections, market opportunities, and insights that may benefit the wider regional music sector and help shape future international support. How to Apply Applicants can submit their applications in different formats.

Applications may be made through:

- Written format. - Audio format. - Video format. This flexible approach allows applicants to choose the format that best enables them to communicate their proposed international activity and its professional or strategic purpose. Support is also available for applicants who require adjustments or assistance with the application process. Accessibility and Application Support The programme provides support for applicants who need adjustments or assistance with the application process. Applicants who require support should make use of the available assistance to ensure they can partici