Deadline: Ongoing
Young people aged 18 to 30 living in Wiltshire or Swindon who are running a business that has been trading for less than two years and generating over £500 per month can apply for the SWEF Established Business Grant to support their business growth through funding of up to £2,000.
The SWEF Established Business Grant focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs in Wiltshire and Swindon who are aged between 18-30, are from low-income households or face other challenges that limit their ability to grow their business, and own 100% of the business or are the majority shareholder. The programme prioritises applications from groups often underrepresented in business, including people on low incomes, women, migrants, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and people with few or no formal qualifications.
The SWEF Established Business Grant is designed to help businesses that have already started trading and are in their early growth stage. Eligible applicants can receive funding of up to £2,000 to expand operations, upgrade equipment, or invest in other areas that will help increase their income. The grant is not intended for businesses earning less than £500 per month, and those in the early start-up phase may instead be eligible for the SWEF Start-Up grant.
As part of the programme, applicants have the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stages of running their business. This allows them to share ideas, experiences, and learning. The programme provides guidance notes to assist applicants in understanding the eligibility criteria, the application process, and how to maximize the impact of the funding.
There are some exclusions on what the grant will not cover. It does not fund businesses that have been trading for more than two years, invasive beauty treatments, salaries or wages, debt repayment, software or app development businesses, rent or utility bills, purchasing stock for existing product lines, ongoing software subscriptions, international travel, or brand new computers, phones, or tablets. Refurbished technology may be considered on a match-fund basis if its benefits to the business are clearly explained.
Applicants are encouraged to read the full eligibility criteria and tips for a successful application before submitting. The programme is currently open for applications, and interested entrepreneurs can apply directly through the application portal.
For more information, visit Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.
