SWEF Grant

Business Grant Application

Please read our eligibility criteria before completing the application form

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants need to be between the age of 18-30.
Applications must come from a majority shareholder.
Applications can only be from sole traders/limited companies that have been trading less than 2 years.
Applications solely for ‘business ideas’ will not be considered. You must be able to give evidence of significant steps taken to get your business off the ground.
Applications must demonstrate a financial need for the grant.
Applications that clearly explain how a grant will transform a business and take it to the next stage are the most likely to be successful.
Applications must detail a specific use for the grant funds with links to/quotes for how the funds will be spent.
Applications must be fully completed.
Applications for ‘match funding’ are particularly welcome.
Applications can only come from businesses that have a business bank account.

Grant Information

Applications can be for grants up to the value of £2,000.
Grant must be spent within one month of receipt of funds and feedback given after 12 months.
Applications can be for:

- Equipment that will help a business bring in a second revenue stream, or increase production where there is a proven demand.

- Materials/stock for a new product line.

- Prototypes.

- Website/booking system build.

- Training.

- Product development.

Please see case studies for examples.

Please note that SWEF does not provide grant funding for the following:

- Salaries

- Debt repayment

- Rent and utilities

- Stock for an existing product line

- Ongoing software subscriptions

- New computers, phones, tablets
NB on a match funded basis, SWEF will consider applications for refurbished technology. However, in order to be successful, the applicant will need to explain why the laptop, tablet or phone will transform their business. A link to the refurbished item will also be required, with an explanation of why they need this piece of specific technology.

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What happens after I have submitted my application?

Initial assessment - when we have received your application, we will check it is complete and eligible. If you have not submitted all the relevant information, we will contact you by email.
Meeting - we may invite you to a meeting where you will be able to tell us more about your business. The meeting will usually take place online and will be with one of the SWEF team.
Award - if you are awarded a grant you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions of the award and the grant will be paid directly to your business bank account by online transfer. You will need to spend the funds within 1 year
After the award - you will have the opportunity to take part in an online business forum with other businesses that have been awarded a grant. The forum offers a space to exchange ideas, experiences and learn. We will also request feedback 12 months after you received your grant to find out how your business is progressing. Feedback will be gathered via a short online form.

Privacy

The personal information you provide us will only be used for the purposes of assessing your grant application. Paper records are kept in locked cabinets and digital data is stored in password protected areas on an encrypted system. We are obliged to hold data relating to your grant for a specific period under legislation, but it will be securely destroyed at the end of that period.

Need help completing the form?

If you have any questions regarding this form, or need help filling it in, or would like to give your answers over the phone, then please send a short email to grants@swef.uk and we will gladly assist you.

SWEF Grant

Please complete your details below

First Name
Last Name

Home Address
County
Date of Birth	(yyyy-mm-dd)
Home Telephone Number
Mobile Telephone Number
Primary Email
How did you hear about us?
Hear about us - Other
Please tick the box if you are currently receiving any Benefits, such as Universal Credit.
What proportion of your income comes from your business?
Do you or your business have any debts?
If you do have debts, please provide the amount and where the funds are owed.
What are you currently doing for work?
How long has your business been trading?
Give details of any job/work experience/training you have had that gives you the skills or business knowledge that will help you succeed with your idea.
What time and money have you put into the business? Please be specific.
Business Name
Business Address (if different from home address)
How have you set your company up?
Company set up - Other
Please provide your business website address
Please provide your business social media pages
Describe the products you make or sell, or the services you provide
What market research have you carried out? How do you know your product or service is wanted or needed?
Please tick the box if you currently have paying customers
Describe a typical customer
Are there any similar businesses to yours in the area? Please list them.
How do/will you get your customers?
Why do you think your business will be successful?
Please provide a breakdown of your monthly costs and sales revenue. If your business has not yet started, please provide estimates.
What grant amount are you applying for? (Please use numerical values only e.g. 2,000)
What will you be using the grant for? Please list the items, the cost and provide weblinks/quotes.
Why do you need this grant? Include where any other funds you need to start or grow your business will come from
How will this grant help you start your business or improve/sustain/grow one you are already running?
Please use this section if you wish to explain, clarify or add any additional information to support your application
By clicking “Submit” you are giving us permission to process your personal data to process your grant application. For further information about how we process your data please see our privacy policy