– About SWEF

Backing
business
Initiative

We're a grant-making organisation that backs young people from less advantaged backgrounds to start and grow their own businesses.

We do this by providing grants through our network of Community Foundation partners across the UK to the next generation of business owners.

We're fortunate to work with partners who share our belief that every young person deserves a fair chance at financial independence through self-employment.

Smiling person with shaved head holding six decorated ceramic mugs featuring blue and yellow designs.

– Swef

What we do

Bridging the funding gap

The SWEF grant provides start-up grants (up to £500) and business grants (up to £2,000) for young people aged 18-30 who face barriers to starting or growing their own businesses.

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Our funding is guided by our Community Foundation partners' local knowledge and insights, ensuring support reaches young people who need it most and can't access finance from traditional sources like family or banks.

Young man in a blue sweatshirt and wool hat standing behind a table displaying Welsh language learning materials and merchandise.

Female baker in white uniform presenting a three-tiered white and blue wedding cake decorated with white and yellow roses and flowers.

Backing young business owners

For young people starting or running their own businesses, we provide grant funding for equipment, training, marketing materials and more.

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Together with our partners, we've backed 1,000+ young people with over £1,250,000 since 2021. 90% of businesses, who received a grant, are still trading after 12 months.

Two vendors standing behind a table filled with dog treats and toys, including packaged snacks and plush toys, at a market stall.

– Our Vision

A society where every young person has a fair chance to start or grow a business - regardless of background or income.

– Our Mission

SWEF exists to tackle the biggest barrier facing less advantaged young people who want to start and run their own business – access to finance.

– Swef

Our Values

Fair

We make decisions based on need, not background, and give every young person an equal opportunity.

Kind

We're supportive and understanding throughout the journey – from application to grant decision.

Honest

We're transparent about our process, decisions, and what young people can expect from us.

Encouraging

We focus on young people's potential and back their business initiative to start and grow their own businesses.

Professional

We deliver fast, efficient support that respects the time and ambitions of young business owners.

Accessible

No complicated applications, no jargon – just straight forward support from our friendly team.

– Meet The Team

Our amazing Team Backing Business Initiative

We bring together experience, passion, and a shared vision to help young innovators turn ideas into thriving ventures and become the next generation of entrepreneurs.