Deadline Date: Ongoing
The SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-Up Grant, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Northern Ireland, is designed to support young entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland who are developing early-stage business ideas and require financial assistance to progress their ventures.
The program focuses on start-up funding support, early-stage business development, financial accessibility for young entrepreneurs, pre-revenue business growth, micro-grant funding, business validation activities, and progression support for youth-led enterprises facing financial barriers.
The SWEF Start-Up Grant provides funding of up to £500 to help pre-revenue businesses or businesses generating less than £500 per month. The fund is intended to assist young entrepreneurs who are unable to invest in their own business or raise external capital, enabling them to take early steps toward building sustainable ventures.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and reside in Northern Ireland. Applications must be submitted by a majority shareholder of the business. The program prioritizes individuals from low-income households or those facing financial challenges that limit their ability to invest in their business development.
Eligible businesses must be in the start-up phase, either pre-revenue or generating less than £500 per month. Applicants are expected to have a business bank account or a clear plan to establish one. The business should aim to generate revenue within three months of application and demonstrate clear progress through evidence such as a website, marketing materials, product photos, social media activity, customer engagement, or early market research.
Successful applicants may reapply after six months for additional funding of up to £1,500, provided their business has shown measurable progress. The grant can only be used for items valued under £2,000, and applicants must clearly demonstrate how the funding will help move the business forward.
Certain types of businesses are not eligible for support under this program, including those involved in invasive beauty treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers, consultancy or property development, drug-related activities including tobacco and 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.
