CR:PPF Music Incubator / Accelerator Program
About the Music Incubator Program
The CR:PPF Music Incubator program, part of the Neighborhood Connections Entrepreneur Incubator Initiative, is a micro-loan and round-table community based small music business support group. Local artists present project proposals, get connected with other artists and support volunteers, share ideas and opportunities, direct a conversation around their projects and music. Artists are eligible for loans up to $2000 for the projects they propose. Artists participate in workshops, professional development, and performance opportunities. The Music Incubator program accepts applications once a year.
Applicants must be 18 or older.
About the Music Accelerator Program
The Music Accelerator program is one of the CR:PPF’s programs to connect Greater Cleveland music artists with resources necessary for success. The Accelerator is aimed at artists who have developed a fan base in the local scene who are working to expand their reach and raise their profile regionally and nationally. CR:PPF knows we have world-class talent here, and we have to work to let the world know it. The Accelerator works by providing artists in the program access to professional services, expert advice, and network building. Accelerator artists are selected by CR:PPF staff, board, and advisors.
“The Incubator Program was most valuable because it plugged me Into a network. Supporting something like Cleveland Rocks is supporting the people in our community that are creating, it’s supporting musicians and bands and venues and all the people that they’re helping. You have to have a world where independent voices have a chance to be heard. ”
- Kid Tigrrr (2024 Incubator Artist)
2026 Music Incubator Class
Taylor Lamborn
Jack & The Optimists
Rustic Skies
Nature Nvoke
Moon Echo Garden
Fox Ears
Frida & The Mann
Mikey Silas and Michael from Apostle Jones perform at the Greater Cleveland Census Results Reveal at the Rock Hall.
Goodmorning Valentine performs on the Cleveland Rocks:PPF stage at the 2025 Waterloo Arts Fest.
Robin “Hyperius” Blake curated a workshop on Breaking the Mold and Building Scenes in August 2025.
“If you can be that person or the organization that helps people see that they can do anything that they put their mind to and then you added some resources, that's what Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future is doing, not only for us and the incubator program, but for the music scene at large. So big props to them.”
– Mikey Silas, Apostle Jones (2024 Incubator Artist)
Past Participants
2025
- Goodmorning Valentine
- Guy Snowdon & The Citizens
- Hyperius Blake / Black Voltron
- Lea Marra & The River Boys
- Mr. Jeff
- Nuke Franklin
- Rachel Shortt
2024
- Apostle Jones
- Clare Feorene
- Kid Tigrrr
- Maura Rogers & The Bellows
- Corry Michaels
- Thor Platter
- Wave Rowanne
2023
- Cory Grinder & The Playboy Scouts
- Joseph Wolfe
- Tuck Mindrum
- Blackout Rose (formerly DLHR)
- Javier Davis (1800-SOS)
- Brit Fox
Music Incubator Program FAQs
How does the program work?
- Meet with a Cleveland Rocks team member to learn about the CR:PPF Music Incubator program.
- Work with a mentor to prepare your business plan and loan application.
- Attend support meetings twice per month.
- Continue working one-on-one with your mentor throughout the life of the loan.
- Complete 12 monthly payments
What are the benefits of the program?
- 12-month business loans at 1% interest
- Mentor support
- Networking opportunities
- Business planning
- Marketing help
- Legal, tax, and financial advice
What types of projects qualify for a loan?
Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Tours
- Equipment purchases
- Merchandise purchases
- Studio time for upcoming releases
Who is eligible to apply?
If you are 18 years or older and are an active member of Northeast Ohio’s music community, you are eligible to apply for a microloan.
FAQs
You will work with a mentor who will be your point of contact for questions regarding the CR:PPF Music Incubator Program. Your mentor will also provide support on basic business issues. Additional support is offered when groups of mentors and loan recipients meet at the hour-long, twice-monthly group meetings. Loan recipients are encouraged to network with each other throughout the year.
No. Grants are not part of this program.
Your name and address, basic information, and an outline of the business idea will be required.
Credit status is not a consideration for the CR:PPF Music Incubator Program. Rather, it is the business idea and your commitment to participate in the program that will determine if a loan is approved.
CR:PPF Music Incubator is part of the Neighborhood Connections Entrepreneur Incubator Initiative
