– SWEF Grants for young people
- Businesses with less than 3 years trading
- Current revenue £500+ a month
- Applicants aged 18-30 in the UK
- SWEF Business Grant Eligibility Criteria
1. Check If You Qualify
Please check to ensure you are eligible to apply for this grant.
About You
- Aged 18–30 years old
- Have the right to work in and are resident in the UK
- Can demonstrate a financial need in that you are unable to support the progression of the business (e.g. on Universal Credit)
- The business is your sole work focus, or there’s a clear plan for it to become so
About Your Business
- UK-based
- Set up for less than 3 years
- Sole traders or companies limited by shares
- If a limited company, you must hold majority ownership
- Has an average gross trading income of at least £500 per month over the last three consecutive months
- Has a business bank account
- Has visible presence as a business — e.g. a website, social media activity, confirmed purchases, testimonials, a screenshot from your Universal Credit Account confirming you are self-employed or gainfully self-employed, a UTR number for sole traders, previous month’s business bank account statement
Business in the following sectors are NOT eligible
- Invasive beauty treatments (Botox, aesthetics, semi-permanent makeup, tattoos, fillers)
- Consultancy or property development
- Drugs/tobacco/vaping
- Political or religious agendas
- Gambling and unregulated activity (e.g. crypto)
- Finance/trading needing FCA approval
- Resold mass-produced goods
- Delivery drivers
About Your Grant Request
- Maximum award is £2,000
- Funding is not available for any grant items with a total value of over £10,000
- Funds must be spent within one month of receipt
- Requested item(s) are expected to result in revenue generation within 3 months of the award
What You Can Use Grant Funding For
- Equipment or tools
- Prototypes and product development
- Formal, accredited training or courses
- Advertising, marketing or promotional costs
- Website/booking system/e-commerce costs
- Clothing costs – uniforms/protective clothing needed for your work
- IT hardware – must be refurbished
- Trade body or professional membership
What Is Not Acceptable For Funding
- Salaries
- Debt repayment
- Retrospective purchases
- Rent and utilities
- App or software development (must be ready to launch, or already live)
- Stock or materials
- Subscriptions for basic operational running costs
- Dual-use items (e.g. mobile phone, a car, e-bikes, driving lessons)
- An already established business that you wish to take on as the new owner
- Apply for a SWEF Business Grant
2. Apply through your Local Community Foundation
SWEF works with regional Community Foundations to deliver our grant funding. Choose your region to start your application.
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We’ve Backed 1,000+ young people
Since 2021 we've helped young people from less advantaged backgrounds create sustainable livelihoods with business grants.
Region not listed?
Tell us the county you wish to apply from
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