Deadline Date: Ongoing
The SWEF Enterprise Fund Business Grant, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Northern Ireland, provides financial support to young entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland who are developing and scaling early-stage businesses and require funding to progress their ventures.
The program focuses on business growth funding, early-stage enterprise development, youth entrepreneurship support, financial assistance for low-income founders, match funding opportunities, trading business expansion, and structured progression for small businesses aiming to increase revenue and operational stability.
The SWEF Business Grant offers funding of up to £2,000 to eligible applicants. The grant is designed to support businesses in taking the next step in their development and must be spent within one month of receiving the funds. The amount awarded is based on the monthly profit of the business and the strength of the business opportunity being presented.
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age and reside in Northern Ireland. Applications must be submitted by a majority shareholder, and for limited companies, the applicant must be the majority owner. In cases where a business partner is over the age of 30, they must not hold more than 20 percent ownership. Applicants must also be from a low-income household or be experiencing financial barriers that prevent business development.
Eligible businesses must have a business bank account and should be either sole traders, limited companies, or CICs limited by shares that have been trading for less than 2.5 years. Businesses should be generating at least £500 per month in turnover for three consecutive months. Applicants who are working full-time on their business or have a clear plan to transition to full-time entrepreneurship are more likely to be successful.
The program places emphasis on match funding arrangements, where applicants contribute additional financial resources alongside the grant. If funding is requested for a specific item, the total cost of that item must not exceed £10,000, with SWEF contributing up to £2,000 and the applicant covering the remaining amount.
Applicants must demonstrate clear visibility of their business operations, including evidence of activity and progress. Strong applications typically show how the grant will meaningfully transform the business and support its next stage of growth.
Certain types of businesses are not eligible for this grant, including those involved in invasive beauty treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers, consultancy or property development, drug-related activities including tobacco or vaping, political or religious agendas, gambling, illegal or unregulated activities such as cryptocurrency ventures, and finance or trading activities requiring FCA approval.
For more information, visit The Community Foundation Northern Ireland.
