SWEF Enterprise & Business Fund
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
The SWEF Enterprise & Business Fund is here to help ambitious young entrepreneurs, aged 18-30, who are driven to grow their businesses but face financial barriers. If you’re in Calderdale and need support to make a game-changing investment in your business, this grant could be just what you’re looking for.
Our priority is to back those who’ve faced challenges early in life, who may not have access to other funding options. If this sounds like you, we’d love to help you turn your vision into reality. With grants of up to £2,000, we’re here to support your growth and success.
SWEF Business Grants:
We have two options available, depending on the stage your business is at: grants of up to £500 for start-ups, and up to £2,000 for businesses already set up but less than two years old.
Criteria:
Start Up Grants up to £500
- Applicants need to be between the age of 18-30
- UK Businesses only
- There is a clear financial need for the grant
- Hasn’t started or just started trading
- Has the potential to be profitable
- Has the potential to create a meaningful income for the applicant
- Has the potential to be the applicant’s sole work focus
Set up grants up to £2,000
- Applicants need to be between the age of 18-30
- UK Businesses only
- This fund is for businesses that have been set up, but have been trading for less than two years
- Applications must demonstrate a financial need for the grant
- Match-funding always welcomed, but not essential
- Sole traders/limited companies only
- If applicable applications must come from a majority shareholder
- A business must be an applicants sole work focus or the plan is that it will become so shortly
The most successful applicants are those who:
- Have read and are sure that they meet the full criteria.
- Request a specific amount in their grant application.
- Provide a specific reason for their grant application.
- Have committed time and resources to the business.
- Have unsuccessfully tried to raise finance elsewhere.
SWEF Case Study
Lucy’s Story
What is your business?
My business is called Lulus Own which is a pottery business based in Dorset. I really try to focus on using my motive of sustainability by producing ceramic alternatives to single use plastic.
How did you hear about SWEF and what led you to apply for a grant?
I first heard about SWEF through a friend who also has her own business based in Bridport. It was at a time that was financially difficult having my own business, everything was going well until the rise in the cost of living. All my expenses for materials went up, and my electricity bills almost doubled. So, I was grateful when my friend told me about the SWEF business grant.
How did the grant help you develop your business?
The grant really changed my life at that point in time. I honestly don’t think I’d be here in the studio if I hadn’t got some sort of financial help.
How have you seen your finances change since you received the grant?
My finances changed quite drastically. A lot of the money that I received from the grant has gone towards buying more expensive market pitches that I wouldn’t have been able to afford if I didn’t have a grant. I’ve also been able to bulk buy a lot of my glazes, and in return I’ve saved money on that.
