Applications open for New Orleans music business accelerator

Photos courtesy The Idea Village.

The Idea Village has announced an all-new music business accelerator called METRONOME.

The initiative is powered by its IDEAinstitute program and will be a specialized track inside the IDEAinstitute Fall 2023 accelerator. It is specifically customized for entrepreneurs who seek to solve problems or create new opportunities in the music industry.

Applications are now open and will remain open until midnight Friday, August 25. The 10-week program commences Tuesday, September 5. To apply visit: ideavillage.org/metronome.

According to a news release, METRONOME’s mission is to support entrepreneurs in the music industry with the programming, resources, and mentorship needed to create thriving businesses that cultivate and grow the city of New Orleans’ music and cultural economy.

In addition to the 10-week IDEAinstitute program, METRONOME entrepreneurs will receive access to: a dedicated, industry-focused mentor; specialized workshops; focused coworking space; highly curated coaching sessions; and ongoing peer-to-peer connection opportunities.

METRONOME is seeking those who seek to disrupt and support innovation in many distinct areas of the music industry, including the recording industry, digital music distribution, music software, live performances and touring and hardware consumer products.

The accelerator program comes as part of a multi-stage METRONOME initiative, in partnership with Greater New Orleans Inc. It is intended to prompt the creation of new, scalable music businesses headquartered in the greater New Orleans area.

“Given that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, a genre based and built on innovation, establishing this new accelerator track feels like a natural fit for our community,” The Idea Village’s Program Director Megan Balch said in a news release. “We are thrilled to offer this new program as a way to support bold entrepreneurs ready to create game-changing businesses for the music industry. Founders who are working to disrupt the ways that we create and/or consume culture today have the potential to significantly impact the incredible musicians and artists across our great city, and far beyond.”

“This programming will ensure that the next wave of change within the music industry will take place here in New Orleans,” Josh Fleig, senior vice president of business development at Greater New Orleans Inc., said in a news release. “The tools and knowledge gained from this initiative will be the secret ingredient in powering the growth of participating startups. We look forward to seeing the new companies that will grow from METRONOME’s music business accelerator, powered by IDEAinstitute.”

On Thursday, August 10, Greater New Orleans Inc., The Idea Village, New Orleans & Company, Louisiana Entertainment, and the City of New Orleans will host a METRONOME launch event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Tipitina’s, located at 501 Napoleon Ave. Attendees will learn about multiple new programs in the works to support founders in the music industry and additional opportunities for artists seeking new ways to monetize their music.

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