SWEF business grants

Start-up grant eligibility

• Applicants need to be aged 18-30

• Applications must be for UK businesses only

• Applications must come from a majority shareholder

• Applicants must demonstrate the financial need, i.e. they don't have access to a bank loan of help from friends or family.

Business criteria

• Applications can only come from businesses that have (or will have) a business bank account. If you are unable to open a business bank account please contact us

• Businesses must plan to generate income within three months of application

• If an applicant is not full-time, they must demonstrate they intend to go full-time as soon as possible

• Applications are only accepted from sole traders, limited companies and CICs limited by shares that have been trading for less than two years

• Applications that clearly explain how a grant will transform a business are the most likely to be successful

• Applications 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

• Business visibility is required e.g. social media, website, leaflets

• Grants must be spent within one month of receipt of funds.

Business grant eligibility

• Applicants need to be aged 18-30

• Applications must be for UK businesses only

• Applications must come from a majority shareholder

• Applicants must demonstrate the financial need, i.e. they don't have access to a bank loan of help from friends or family.

Business criteria

• Applications that involve 'match funding' are particularly welcome

• Applications can only come from businesses that have  a business bank account

• Applicants who are working full-time on their business are more likely to be successful with their grant application. If an applicant is not full-time, they will need to prove that they intend to go full-time as soon as possible

• Applications are only accepted from sole traders, limited companies and CICs limited by shares that have been trading for less than two and a half years

• Applications that clearly explain how a grant will transform a business are the most likely to be successful

• A SWEF grant can go towards the cost of an item that is greater than the grant amount, but that item can cost no more than £10,000

• Grants must be spent within one month of receipt of funds

• Grant amounts are commensurate with the monthly profit of the business and the business opportunity.

The grant can be used for the following (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Equipment that will help a business achieve increased revenue

• Materials/stock

• Website/booking system build

• Prototypes and product development

Applications that involve the purchase of second-hand items are particularly welcome. Goods and services provided within the UK are preferred.

SWEF doesn't provide funding for the following:

• Salaries

• Rent and utilities

• Debt repayment

• Software or app development costs (apps/software should be ready to launch or already launched at the point of application)

• Business that involve invasive beauty treatments such as botox, aesthetics, semi-permanent make-up, facial tattoos, dermal fillers

• New computers, phones, tablets

• Stock for an existing product line

• Ongoing software subscriptions.

NB: on a match funded basis, SWEF will consider applications for refurbished technology. However, in order to be successful, the applicant will need to explain why the laptop, tablet or phone will transform their business. A link to the refurbished item will also be required, with an explanation of why they need this piece of specific technology.

Start-ups can apply for up to £500 initially. Businesses already trading can apply for up to £2,000. 

In the application, you will need to:

• Tell us about your business and how a grant would help you to make it more successful or support start-up costs.

• Provide a breakdown of specific costs to help us understand how you would use the grant.

• A copy of a recent bank statement must be uploaded as part of the application process. We can only pay grants into a business bank account.

• Avoid general terms like “marketing” that do not provide enough detail about how you will spend the grant.

• Include any additional documents if you want to, such as your business plan.

• Provide a reference to support your application. Your referee should be a person who can tell us about your character or abilities and can confirm your circumstances. This could be a tutor, support worker or someone who you have worked for.

Please share this link (kentcf.tfaforms.net/44) with the individual you would like to provide a reference for you. Once you have submitted your application and your referee has submitted their reference, we will be able to progress with your grant application.

Clear financial need, specific use of funds, evidence of business progress, and a reference from someone who knows your work or character. By addressing these points, you will demonstrate that you are serious about your business and ready to make the most of the grant.

We will consider applications where finance has been unsuccessfully raised elsewhere.

Further 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.

Funds are paid into your business bank account. You must spend the grant within one month and provide feedback after 12 months. 

Once your application is submitted:

• Initial review: We’ll check it’s complete and eligible. We may contact you for clarification or extra details.

• Meeting: You might be invited to an online meeting with the SWEF team to talk more about your business.

• Award: If successful, you’ll accept the grant terms and receive funds via your business bank account. Grants must be spent within one month, with feedback due after 12 months.

• After the award: You’ll be invited to join an online business forum with other grantees to share ideas and experiences. We’ll also ask for a short progress update after a year.

As part of the SWEF community, successful applicants are asked to:

• Join our closed SWEF Facebook group

• Attend at least one SWEF meetup or networking event

• Subscribe to our monthly newsletter

• Share feedback 12 months after receiving the grant

If your application is unsuccessful the funder will explain why and may provide you with some feedback on how to improve your business case.

Visit SWEF’s website for other Community Foundations offering similar grants in your area.