The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants to young people in Northamptonshire who need support with business costs that they would otherwise not be able to afford, and particularly those who are not in education, employment or training. This is not a loan scheme and recipients do not need to pay the grant back.

As part of the programme, SWEF provides the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences and learn.

Depending on the current stage of your business, you can apply for a START-UP GRANT of up to £500 or a BUSINESS GRANT of up to £2,000.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a grant from this Fund if you:

• Live in Northamptonshire
• Are aged 18 to 30
• Are launching or running a new business that has been trading for under two years
• You have a business bank account or are setting one up (grants are only paid into business bank accounts)

Please bear in mind that applications based solely on business ideas won’t be considered. You’ll need to show that you have taken steps to get your business off the ground by putting time and energy and thought into it.

Information on any market research that you’ve undertaken as well as sales and cost projections will all help to make your application more likely to succeed.

What can I use this money for?

The SWEF Enterprise Grants are for things that can help take your start-up business to the next level. It can help with:

• Essential equipment or materials
• Website building
• Product development
• Training

What can't this money be used for?

The grant can’t be used for:

• Salaries
• Debt repayment
• Rent and utility bills
• Ongoing software subscriptions
• Development of businesses carrying out invasive aesthetic procedures

The grant can’t be used for new computers, tablets or phones. On a match-funded basis, SWEF will consider applications for refurbished technology. However, for this to be considered, you’ll need to:

• Explain why the laptop, tablet or phone will transform your business 
• Provide a link to the refurbished item with an explanation of why you need this piece of specific technology.

You’ll need to complete the application form as fully as possible. Tell us about anything particular about your background, including your economic background, which would help us to understand any challenges you have faced or still face. 

Requirements:

• Complete and submit the appropriate grant application form, including providing the contact details of your REFEREE
• A copy of a RECENT BANK STATEMENT (no more than three months old) to confirm your account details should you be successful. If you don’t have a business bank account yet, please let us know.

Follow this link to apply for a START-UP GRANT: SWEF Enterprise Start-up Business Grant Application

Follow this link to apply for a BUSINESS GRANT: SWEF Enterprise Established Business Grant Application

For more information on the Fund, please find the guidance notes at the bottom of this page.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation can provide advice and guidance during the application process as well as viewing draft applications prior to submission. Call the grants team on 01604 230033 for more information.

Please click here to view our Diversity Statement applicable to our grant awards.