Community Foundation NI: SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-Up Grant
Overview
SWEF exists to support those who cannot afford to invest in their own business or raise money externally.
- Pre-revenue businesses or businesses turning over less than £500 per month.
- Applicants must be between the age of 18-30
- Start-up grants are awarded up to £500
After 6 months, successful grantees can reapply for additional funds up to £1,500 if the business has progressed.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply, you need to:
- Be between the ages of 18-30
- Live in Northern Ireland
- Applications must come from a majority shareholder
- Be from a low-income household or facing other financial challenges preventing you from developing your business
Start- Up 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 to discuss.
Businesses must be looking to generate revenue within 3 months of application.
If an applicant is not yet full-time, they will need to prove that they intend to go full time as soon as possible. Applications can only be from sole traders/limited companies/CICs limited by shares that have been trading less than 2 years.
Applications that clearly explain how a grant will transform a business and take it to the next stage are the most likely to be successful
How you can use the grant:
(This is not an exhaustive list)
- Equipment that will help a business achieve increased revenues. Applications that involve the purchase of second hand items are particularly welcome.
- Materials/stock
- Prototypes and product development
- Website/booking system build
- Training
- Goods and services provided within the UK are preferred
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.