There are several sources of potential funding for musicians and music-related businesses in Scotland. The most important thing to remember is to apply to the correct funding body for your needs. Check out the website links below and study the criteria for each funder's grants. Many of these bodies can advise you on the phone about the process of applications and give you guidance as to whether you're on the right track with your request. It's also useful to know that many of the grant schemes receive far more applications than there's money to go around. If you fail the first time, apply again at the next opportunity.

Awards for All

Business Gateway
Advice on business start-ups and matched funding for IT expenses up to a maximum of £500.

Dewar Arts Awards
Anyone under 30 is eligible for the rolling programme, with no set award amounts. The awards aim to support young people with an exceptional talent in their field, but lack the finance to progress.

Enterprise Music Scotland Funding scheme for young music promoters.

Music Sound Foundation

Princes Trust
Princes Trust in Scotland have an annual fund which helps young musicians with grants to obtain essential pieces of equipment. Like most of the funding bodies however, you are not guaranteed to recieve any money. PT also help finance and support new businesses being set up by 18-26 years old.

Scottish Arts Council
SAC have several different types of award in their Music category, from Creative Development to Touring to Commissioning New Music. Please read the criteria for each scheme carefully and make use of the Helpline phone number before you write your application. Allow plenty of time before the deadline to fill in your application form; it's unlikely you can make a decent job of this in a couple of days.

Scottish Enterprise
'Services to business' section gives general information on business start up with advice on various sources of funding and investment.

A new fund has recently been put in place at Glasgow City Council. More information on this when we have it.