The SWEF Enterprise & Business Fund provides grants to young people in County Durham and Tees Valley to help them with a business investment they can’t afford, but that will transform their business.
Everything you need to know before you apply:
What is the grant size?
Up to £2,000
Who can apply?
Applicants must be:
- Aged 18 to 30
- Currently live in County Durham or Tees Valley
- From a low-income household or facing other challenges stopping them from developing their business
- Running a business that has been trading for under two years (including those about to start a new business)
- Individuals or teams working on a newly established business i.e. has been trading for less than 2 years
- Able to demonstrate what time and resources have already been directed towards the business
What does the fund cover?
Here are some examples of what the grant can be used for:
- Equipment that will help your business bring in a second revenue stream
- Equipment that will help your business increase production where there is proven demand
- Materials/stock for a new product line
- Prototypes
- Website/booking system build
- Training
- Product development
- Services you need to get your business running or support the development of the business
What does the fund not cover?
- Salaries
- Debt repayment
- Rent and utilities
- Stock for an existing product line
- Ongoing software subscriptions
- New computers, phones, tablets
- Applications solely for business ideas
What is the application process?
To apply for a grant, you must use the online application form.
Before starting your application, make sure you read the guidelines in full.
When you have completed the application in full, you should receive a decision within six weeks.