• Do you have a new music business concept that you are trying to get off the ground?
• Are you a pioneering small music business which needs investment to get to the next stage of profitability?
• Do you have a great idea for an innovative and enterprising project involving Australian music and games, film, or social media?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, then you should apply to participate in GENERATE - a new pilot program which is looking to invest in up to 15 of the best music-related businesses or business ideas across Australia!

The new program, GENERATE: An Australian music enterprise investment pilot, aims to invest in original, innovative ideas or business models involving Australian music and is a positive step forward in creating a sustainable future for the Australian music industry.

GENERATE will provide business-development knowledge, skills and expert tailored mentoring support as well as access to seed investment of up to $30,000 for up to 15 ground-breaking music enterprises from across Australia.

WHAT IS GENERATE?

GENERATE is a pilot program to support enterprises in the Australian music industry which are seeking to grow and attract investment.

GENERATE is intended to support and develop good music-related business plans and industry concepts. Participants must be able to commit to the program timeline and requirements.

GENERATE will particularly focus on proposals that facilitate new collaborations or business models involving music and other creative professions such as film, online games and publishing.

GENERATE is looking for applications from small to medium-sized music enterprises including songwriters, composers, bands, managers, publishers, promoters, producers and labels.

WHAT ISN’T GENERATE?
GENERATE is NOT a grant program for music production or touring.

PROGRAM STAGES

GENERATE is a three-stage business program which will run from December 2011 to May 2012.

December - February – GENERATE program opens, seeking applications from interested music professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses to register to attend an introductory workshop to be held in February 2012

Register your interest to attend a GENERATE 2012 Workshop here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/N8CJ77T

Melbourne workshop: Wednesday 22nd February 2012

To register your interest in attending a GENERATE 2012 workshop, please go to www.amin.org.au or Victorian artists can contact Music Victoria on (03) 9380 1566 or via info@musicvictoria.com.au

Members of Music Victoria are now able to start taking advantage of a more musician-friendly baggage allowance thanks to an exclusive deal developed between Virgin Australia and national body The Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN).

In September 2011, AMIN and Virgin Australia announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing problems musicians face when travelling with musical equipment. The initiative has been well received by the music community who often have to deal with high and inconsistent excess baggage charges. The new Virgin Australia baggage allowances will have a major impact on the ability of Australian artists to tour more often and more cost effectively.

Virgin Australia is offering the music industry a baggage allowance of 32kg (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individual artists, with an additional 32kg able to be purchased in advance for just $15. Bands may also be able to ‘pool’ their baggage allowance across their travelling group. This baggage allowance is available on Virgin Australia-owned and operated domestic services only and must be booked or pre-purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Details have now been finalised and information on how to access this initiative have been announced. Musicians and companies can access the new baggage allowance either via specialist entertainment travel companies or by contacting a dedicated Virgin Australia music liaison with your itinerary. 

The deal is available immediately to financial members of Music Victoria. To join Music Victoria as a member, apply online at www.musicvictoria.com.au/become-a-member-of-music-victoria

Music Victoria is also offering members the chance to win a Virgin Frequent Flyer Platinum Velocity membership for a year.  All current members as well as new members who sign up and pay by 31^st December 2011 will be eligible to win.