Grants for Young Entrepreneurs to Develop Businesses in Wales

Community Foundation Wales is offering funding through the SWEF Business Grants to support young entrepreneurs in Wales to start or grow a business. The programme aims to assist individuals who have faced disadvantage in early life, who encounter barriers to investment and who may be unable to secure finance from other sources.

Two levels of support are available. Businesses that have been trading for less than two and a half years and have generated income can apply for grants of up to £2,000. Start-ups that are pre-revenue or within the first few months of trading, with a monthly income below £500, can apply for grants of up to £500.

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30, live in Wales and have a business based there. Eligible businesses must be registered as a Sole Trader, Limited Company or Partnership, with the lead partner aged 18 to 30. Applicants must also own at least a majority share of the business, work or plan to work on it full-time and have or be setting up a business bank account.

Funding can be used for equipment, materials, product development, training or the creation of a website and booking system.