Apply for SWEF Enterprise Fund Programme (UK)

These grants can be used on costs to support a newly formed business, including equipment, training, specific marketing costs, and product development.

As part of the programme SWEF provides the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences and learn.

Funding Information

• Grants must be used for costs directly related to your business and must be spent within one month of you receiving the funds.
• Applications for start-up businesses at the pre-revenue stage may only initially be eligible for smaller grant amounts (i.e. up to £500), to help prove the business concept and start revenue generation. If you are awarded a smaller amount, and your initial grant is successful, you may be eligible to apply again for the remainder of the costs (i.e. up to £2,000 total across both grants.).
• On a match funded basis, they can consider applications for refurbished computers/tablets/phones; However, in order for this to be considered you will need to explain why the item will transform your business, and provide a link to the refurbished item with an explanation of why you need this piece of specific technology.

Ineligible Expenses

• These grants cannot be used for:
  • Salaries
  • Debt repayment
  • Rent and utilities
  • Materials/Stock for an existing product line/service
  • Ongoing software subscriptions
  • Development costs for new apps or digital software
  • New computers, tablets and phones.

Eligible Costs

• Equipment costs.
• Materials/stock for a new product line/service
• Prototypes
• Website/booking system build
• Training
• Product development

Eligibility Criteria

• You can apply if you:
  • Are aged 18 to 30.
  • Live in Cheshire or Warrington.
  • Are a sole trader/limited company which has been trading for 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.
  • Can demonstrate a financial need for the grant.
  • Have a business bank account.
  • Have a clear plan for how you will spend any awards, with quotes provided.
  • They particularly welcome applications from groups that are often underrepresented in business ownership, including people on low incomes, women, migrants, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and people with few or no formal qualifications.

For more information, visit Cheshire Community Foundation.