SWEF Business Grant

The SWEF Business Grant supports young people living in County Durham or Tees Valley with a business investment they can’t afford but will transform their business.

Young people not in education, employment or training are encouraged to apply.

This Fund is not a loan scheme. If you are awarded a grant, you do not need to pay the grant back.

SWEF offers two types of grants:

• Start-Up Grant: Up to £500 for pre-revenue or early-stage businesses
• Business Grant: Up to £2,000 for established businesses (with trading income)

Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

• Aged between 18 and 30
• Be a majority shareholder
• Currently live in County Durham or Tees Valley
• From a low-income household or facing other barriers stopping them from developing your business
• Running a business that has been trading for under two years
• Individuals or teams working on a newly established business i.e. has been trading for less than 2 years
• Able to demonstrate the time and resources you have already 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 a business increase production where there is proven demand
• Materials/stock for a new product line
• Prototypes
• Website/booking system build
• Training
• Product development

What does the fund not cover?

• Salaries
• Debt repayment
• App development or software development costs
• Rent and utilities
• Stock for an existing product line
• Equipment or products relating to invasive beauty treatments
• 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 eight weeks.