New MEMFund initiative will provide grants of up to $3,000 to support Memphis music businesses and creative professionals.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Nov. 5, 2026) — The City of Memphis is investing $100,000 to help grow the businesses and support the professionals behind the city’s music industry.
Through a new partnership between the City’s Office of Creative and Cultural Economy and Music Export Memphis, the Memphis Music Ecosystem Fund (MEMFund) will provide microgrants of up to $3,000 to eligible Memphis-based music businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals.
The initiative is the first major implementation of the 2024 Memphis Music Strategy, developed by international consultancy Sound Diplomacy. The strategy identified targeted investment in the local music industry as a priority for strengthening Memphis’ creative economy.
“Memphis has given the world some of its greatest music, and that legacy continues because of the talented people who create, produce, promote, and support music in our city every day,” said Mayor Paul Young. “We want those people to have the opportunity to build successful businesses and lasting careers right here in Memphis. This investment is one way we’re helping them do that. When we invest in our music community, we’re investing in Memphis’ future.”
Administered by Music Export Memphis, MEMFund will support businesses and professionals working in three areas of the music industry: live music exhibition, production, and supporting services.
Eligible applicants may receive grants of up to $3,000 for professional development, technology upgrades, infrastructure improvements, marketing, and other needs that help businesses grow and remain sustainable.
“This is exactly the kind of investment our Memphis Music Strategy called for,” said DeMarcus Suggs, director of the City’s Office of Creative and Cultural Economy. “We’ve identified the opportunities and the challenges facing our music industry. Now we’re putting resources behind that work, helping local businesses build capacity, strengthen their operations, and create opportunities for the people who depend on this industry for their livelihoods.”
The City will provide $100,000 through the Office of Creative and Cultural Economy to support direct grants and program administration. Music Export Memphis will oversee the application process, applicant review, grant administration, and reporting in accordance with City standards.
For the past decade, Music Export Memphis has invested in Memphis-based artists and bands. MEMFund will expand that work to the businesses and professionals who help those artists succeed.
“We’ve been investing in Memphis-based artists and bands for 10 years, but this is our first opportunity to provide grants to the ecosystem that supports those artists,” said Elizabeth Cawein, executive director of Music Export Memphis. “Through years of research with artists and independent music venues, we’ve seen how important these businesses are to the livelihoods of people working in music. We’re grateful to be in a city that recognizes the value of its culture and is willing to invest in the people and businesses that sustain it.”
Grantmaking will take place through Music Export Memphis’ established application portal, with an emphasis on accessibility, community impact, and strengthening Memphis-based music enterprises.
Additional program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Arlenia Cole, City of Memphis
arlenia.cole@memphistn.gov