– SWEF Grants for young people

Get a SWEF Start-up grant up to £500

Just getting started or pre-revenue
Current revenue less than £500 a month
Applicants aged 18-30 in the UK

Step 1: Check Eligibility

- SWEF Start-up 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)

About Your Business

UK-based
Set up for less than 2 years
Sole traders or companies limited by shares (or not yet registered)
If a limited company, you must hold majority ownership
Not yet trading or has a gross trading income of less than £500/month
Has a business bank account
There is visible progress in establishing the business - e.g. a website, business cards, social media activity, confirmed purchases, testimonials, market research, or photos of product/premises

Businesses 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 £500
Funding is not available for any grant items with a total value of over £2,000
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
Applications for a "business idea" alone won’t be considered - you need evidence of real steps taken

What You Can Use Grant Funding For

Equipment or tools
Stock or materials
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

What Is Not Acceptable For Funding

Salaries
Debt repayment
Retrospective purchases
App or software development (must be ready to launch, or already live)
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 Start-up 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.

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