Orbit Fund
The Orbit Fund is a new scheme from The Halley and AEI Ventures that will provide grants of £10k - £25k for up to 10 purpose-driven communities and companies in 2024.
Why?
We're driven by a passion to transform the music industry's culture from the inside out. Our goal is to foster a fairer, kinder, and more sustainable music industry. We aim to not only empower exceptional ideas and businesses that may lack the necessary resources to thrive but also recruit individuals who share our mission, and build a funnel of more diverse future leaders who also want to help make the music and creative industries a more caring, supportive and inclusive place.
We firmly believe that aiding emerging music and creative businesses is pivotal to achieving this mission.
AEI's mission is to instigate positive change in the industries we operate within, and we're dedicated to backing the next generation of purpose-driven music and creative enterprises with grants ranging from £10k to £25k. Our aim is to support up to 10 such companies in 2024.
What’s the offer?
£10k - £25k non-repayable grants across 2 installments through 2024.
There are up to 10 grants available for emerging purpose-driven companies.
You are required to make a 6-month presentation to AEI Ventures & The Halley team ahead of the second installment.
12-month presentation to The Halley community outlining achievements.
Application process
Applications for the Orbit Fund are now closed
Applications can be via a the application form, presentation (e.g. slideshow, or deck) or video submission (such as filming your presentation, or including a video pitch). We do not have the capacity for in-person presentations at this stage.
You will need to demonstrate how the money will be used, send team profiles, and share your annual revenue.
Applications close 10th December 2023 at 23:59
If you successfully pass the initial stage, you will receive an invitation for an interview in early 2024. Following the interview, you will be invited to participate in a vision workshop, and the first portion of the grant will be allocated in February 2024.
Have a question? Drop us a line on orbitfund@thehalley.co.uk
Criteria for applying
Ready to join us? See the criteria below before applying.
1. Open to music or creative industry.
2. UK-based.
3. Creating something new or unique or that has a fresh take.
4. Can be already operating or preparing to launch.
5. You should align with our values and see business as a force for good.
6. You should be able to demonstrate how your business or organisation can have a positive impact, whether it be on people, a community, or by helping shape the music or creative industries for the better.
7. You should be able to demonstrate that you have a clear need for the grant in order to build or grow. As well as show how the money will be used.
If you’re already a steadily profitable business this is likely not for you – unless there's a clear need for the money in order to launch something new. As always, we are particularly interested in hearing from those interested in nurturing cultural communities.