The Step Up Fund, powered by Amazon Music, is the FAC’s annual grant programme for independent artists, supporting creative development at a crucial stage of their careers. Step Up provides financial support for ten artists’ projects each year, with grants of up to £8,000 alongside a wider package of industry support.

In addition to the fund, Amazon Music has expanded its support in 2025 by awarding five additional independent UK artists three days of studio time at The Breakthrough Lab, the professional recording space created in partnership with Metropolis Studios, with engineering costs also covered. The artists benefiting from this studio support are Gigi Moss, lleo, Maya Lane, Nia Wyn and Richard Carter.

Now entering its fifth year, the Step Up Fund has supported 45 artists to date, reflecting Amazon Music’s continued commitment to championing independent talent and backing the FAC’s mission to address the financial and structural challenges artists face. Find out more about all previous awardees below, and sign up for our PRO membership to be the first to hear when applications open for Step Up 2026.

Eligibility:

The fund supports projects over the course of a 12-month period. Applications are welcome from professional artists of all genres, based in the UK.

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18+

• Have released at least three songs within the last year, with a minimum of 15k streams or one song with 50k streams on a UK chart eligible platform

• Not have an ongoing agreement with a major or large independent record label, or be in receipt of a large advance.

Read last years full application guidelines here.

Accessibility information: If you have any additional access requirements, please email us and we will be able to assist.

For all future opportunities and to keep in touch with the FAC join us .

We are thrilled to announce the Step Up Fund 2025 awardees.

Step Up Fund 2025 was awarded to ten hugely talented artists: 4am Kru, Arz, Balancing Act, BINA., Crae Wolf, Edbl, Ellie Dixon, Jadu Heart, Mellina Tey and Namesbliss.

In addition, we are awarding five further artists studio support at The Breakthrough Lab, the professional recording space created in partnership with Amazon Music and Metropolis Studios: Gigi Moss, lleo, Maya Lane, Nia Wyn and Richard Carter.

Click on each artist below to find out more!

Step Up Fund 2024 was awarded to ten hugely talented recipients: Azekel, BEKA, Blair Davie, Dirty Nice, Hana Lili, Lime Garden, Olive Jones, ShaSimone, SOFY and unpeople.

Click on each artist below to find out more!

Step Up Fund 2023 was awarded to twelve hugely talented recipients: Amahla, Amie Blu, Aziya, B-ahwe, Calva Louise, Chalk, Declan Welsh and The Decadent West, Graft, Jalen Ngonda, Nix Northwest, Tara Lily and twst.

Click on each artist below to find out more!

Step Up Fund 2022 was awarded to nine hugely talented recipients: Daniel Casimir, Friedberg, LVRA, Joel Culpepper, Elkka, nineteen97, Cherise, Deyah and VUKOVI..

Click on each artist below to find out more!

Making an impact as an artist in a crowded field is always a challenge, however, the unprecedented impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis has worsened an already challenging landscape. Step Up aims to help awardees overcome some of these challenges. Artists can apply for the Step Up Fund for support on any projects related to their artist career, including recording, releasing, content creation marketing and tour support.