International Professional Programme

Before Applying

Please read the Application guidance & FAQs and download the Supporting Table Templates before applying

Overview

The International Professional Programme invests in music industry professionals and music businesses based in the North East, Tees Valley, and West Yorkshire.

Offering investments of up to £5,000, the programme supports attendance at major global conferences, trade missions, songwriting camps, and international business development trips. The International Professional Programme directly supports Northern music businesses like managers, publishers, labels, and agents unlock new commercial revenue, sign international talent, build global networks, and bring long term economic value back to the North.

Recipients also benefit from NMEO’s direct advocacy, matchmaking, trade delegations and international network building.

What the Programme Supports

• Attendance at significant global music conferences, showcase festivals, and trade events e.g., Reeperbahn, SXSW, ADE and Eurosonic.
• Targeted, business-to-business trade missions and international market meetings with demonstrated commercial potential.

Eligible Costs

• Delegate passes and conference registration fees.
• International travel and transport.
• Accommodation.
• Visas and entry documentation.

Key Application Criteria

• Regional Eligibility: Open to music businesses and independent professionals based in the North East, Tees Valley, or West Yorkshire.
• Robust Business Case: Applicants must provide clear commercial objectives, evidence of pre-arranged meetings, business targets, and a realistic strategy for return on investment.

Please note at this time, these programmes are exclusively available to artists from the Tees Valley, West Yorkshire and North East Mayoral Strategic and Combined Authority areas.