SWEF Enterprise Fund
The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Gloucestershire for support with business start-up costs.
deadline
Ongoinggrant amount
£2,000current status
OpenThe SWEF Enterprise Fund invests in the business initiatives that young people in Gloucestershire are taking to direct and improve their lives. Grants of up to £2,000 are awarded to young people in Gloucestershire who need support with business investment that they would otherwise not be able to afford, and particularly to those who are not in education, employment or training.
The more steps you have taken to start or grow your business, the more likely you are to receive a grant.
Eligibility
You can apply if you:
- Are aged 18 to 30
- Currently live in the county of Gloucestershire
- Are from a low income household or facing other challenges preventing you from developing your business
- Have been trading for under two years (including those about to start a new business)
Application Process
If you meet the above criteria you can apply for a grant of up to £2,000, regardless of your background or how well you did in education. The grant can be used for equipment, materials, stock or services you need in order to get your business running or support the development of the business. You cannot apply for your salary or living costs.
If you ask for £500 or less and are successful, you will be able to re-apply for a second grant at a later stage. Very early-stage businesses should consider if an initial smaller grant is helpful, before applying for a larger amount.
We need you to tell us about your business in your application form, and how a grant would help you to make it more successful or support start-up costs. Please provide a breakdown of specific costs to help us understand how you would use the grant, with weblinks/formal quotes. Avoid general terms like ‘marketing’ that do not provide enough detail about how you will spend the grant.
Please read the funding criteria here.
We also need 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. It might be a tutor, support worker or someone who you have worked for. You will need to ask your referee to complete a reference form (see below) and return it to us.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us by emailing operationsmanager@gloucestershirecf.org.uk
Read more about our successful applicants.
How to apply
Please make sure you have read the below guidance before you apply.
To apply, please:
- Download and complete the application form here (or on the Apply Now button below) then email to operationsmanager@gloucestershirecf.org.uk
- Include a copy of a recent bank statement (no more than 3 months old), which we will need to confirm your bank details, if you are successful.
- Include any additional documents if you want to, such as your business plan.
- Ask your referee to download the reference form here complete it and by email to operationsmanager@gloucestershirecf.org.uk
What happens next
- We will confirm that we have received your application within 5 working days.
- We aim to contact you within the following 3 weeks after discussing your application with colleagues at the SWEF Enterprise Fund. You may be invited to meet with us (usually online) to discuss your business in more detail. If this is the case, we will email you to arrange a date and time.
- We aim to make a final decision within 6 weeks.
- If you are awarded a grant, it will be paid directly to you by bank transfer.
- You need to spend your grant within 1 month of receipt of funds and provide feedback 6 months and 12 months after you received the grant.
All those awarded a grant will have an opportunity to take part in a business forum with other grant recipients to exchange ideas, experiences and questions. One to one business mentoring may also be possible, provided by a relevant local agency able to provide this.
