SWEF Start-Up Grant

This programme provides a business start-up grant for young people aged between 18-30.

We are working in partnership with SWEF to provide start-up business grants to young entrepreneurs in Wiltshire and Swindon that are aged between 18-30. 

SWEF Start-Up grants are for individuals whose business is still in the start-up or pre-revenue phase and are are yet to make any income or sales. This grant provides up to £500 to cover essential costs as you turn your business idea into reality. The funding is to cover initial costs such as essential equipment, materials, stock, website building, product development and training.

If your business has already started trading, but you are within your first two years, then you may be eligible to our for the SWEF Established Business grants details of which are available here.

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.

We have produced some Guidance Notes to assist with your application, which are available here.

Please read the full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply below, before filling out the application form which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply for the SWEF Start-Up Grant of up to £500, you need to be:

  • aged 18 to 30
  • live in Wiltshire or Swindon
  • planning to start a business within the next couple of months
  • pre-revenue or at the very early stages of development and are yet to make any income or sales
  • from a low-income household or facing financial challenges

    We prioritise applications from groups that are often underrepresented in business, including people on low incomes, women, migrants, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people with few or no formal qualifications.

    For more information on eligible expenses and things you should consider before starting you application see What the Grant Won’t Cover / Top Tips for a Successful Application

    What the Grant Won't Cover

    While the grants are designed to support many areas of your business, there are a few things it doesn’t cover which includes:

    • salaries
    • repaying debts
    • software businesses or app development
    • rent and utility bills
    • purchasing stock for an existing product line
    • invasive beauty treatments
    • ongoing software subscriptions
    • new computers, phones, or tablets

    However, we do make an exception when it comes to refurbished technology. If you need a refurbished laptop, tablet, or phone for your business, SWEF may consider this on a match-funded basis. In your application you’ll need to explain how this technology will transform your business and provide a link to the specific refurbished item you need.

    Top Tips for a Successful Grant Application

    Before you start your application, keep in mind that applications solely based on business ideas won’t be considered. You’ll need to show that you’ve already taken some steps to get your business off the ground, even if it’s just in the early stages.

    Taking the time to carefully think through your business idea and showing why your product or service is needed will make your application stronger. The more groundwork you’ve done, the better your chances of success!

    Here are a few tips to help strengthen your application:

    • Market Research: Have you explored whether there’s demand for your product or service? You don’t need to overcomplicate this—ask friends, family, or local businesses for feedback or advice. It’s a great way to gauge interest and gather helpful insights.
    • Cost Planning: Have you thought about your monthly expenses? Consider things like staff wages, rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, and any other costs that may come up as you build or grow your business.
    • Income Projection: How much do you expect to earn each month from sales or services? Estimating your potential income will give you a clearer picture of your business’s financial health.

    By addressing these points, you’ll demonstrate that you’re serious about your business and ready to make the most of the grant!

    What happens after I have submitted my application?
    1. Initial Review - within five working days, we'll confirm that we've received your application. We'll check that it's complete and eligible. If anything is missing, we'll contact you, usually by email to ask for the additional documents.
    2. Meeting - you may be invited to a meeting where you can tell us more about your business. This will typically be an online meeting with a staff member from Wiltshire Community Foundation and someone from SWEF. We aim to make a decision on your application within six weeks.
    3. Grant Award - if you're successful, you'll need to accept the grant's terms and conditions. The funds will be transferred directly to your business bank account via BACS. If you don’t have a business bank account yet, you'll need to set one up. Payments will usually be made a month after accepting the terms, and the grant should be used within one month of receiving it.
    4. After the Award - we’ll check in with you around six and 12 months after you receive the grant to see how your business is progressing. You'll also be invited to join a business forum with other grant recipients, providing a great space to share ideas and experiences.
    Sources of support

    You may find the below websites useful they include tools, templates and other sources of funding

    Business Tools & Templates

    Business Support in Wiltshire & Swindon

    Business Funding

    Refurbished IT Equipment

    Other suppliers are available, and we recommend searching on the internet for the best deals

    Applications are open year-round and will be considered periodically throughout the year.

    Apply here

    If you have any queries please contact us on 01380 738985 or email info@wiltshirecf.org.uk


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