SWEF
SWEF welcome applications from young entrepreneurs for starter funding of up to £2,000
The South West Enterprise FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. aims to support a variety of young Cornish people aged between 18 – 30 years old who do not have the initial starter funds to get their business ideas off the ground.
Quick links
Grant Categories:
- Open
Grant requirements
To apply for a grant your organisation must meet the general Eligibility criteria. In addition to this, you must also meet the specific criteria of the grant listed below:
Who can apply:
- Individuals based in Cornwall and aged between 18 and 30 years old
What it will support:
The fund is for two sets of young people
- Those who have already shown some initiative in getting their new business off the ground
- Those who have an idea and need some funding to get their idea off the ground
To be eligible for a grant you must:
- Be resident in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
- Be aged between 18-30 years old
- Be able to demonstrate your business idea and know what products or services you want to provide or have been trading for under 2 years.
Eligible use of funds
- Equipment that will help a business bring in a second revenue stream
- 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
- Individuals based outside Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Individuals outside of the stated age range (18-30 years old)
Ineligible use of Funds:
- Salaries
- Debt repayment
- Rent and utilities
- Stock for an existing product line
- Ongoing software subscriptions
- New computers, phones, tablets
NB On a match funded basis, we can consider applications for refurbished technology. However, in order for this to be considered, you will need to:
- Explain why the laptop, tablet or phone will transform their business.
- Provide a link to the refurbished item with an explanation of why they need this piece of specific technology.
As part of the application process, the applicant will be asked some questions about their business, the journey taken up until now, how their business will benefit the local community, how it will impact their family life, how will they make a profit and, if appropriate, how they intend to grow the business.
The South West Enterprise Fund invests in the business initiatives of young people across the South West. SWEF looks at what they are already doing for themselves and backs them with grant funding. In almost all cases, the businesses that SWEF backs are already up and running in some form.
Ready to apply?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to submit an application, apply at the bottom of this page.
Apply nowNot sure where to start?
If this is your first time applying to us start by reading the Application Process & Guidance. Here you can find useful information and resources to guide you through the application process.
If you’d like to speak to our Outreach Officer you can find contact details at the bottom of this page.
Key dates & decisions
Deposit dates can be vary, however grants are typically paid within 10 days of the panel decision.
Grants FAQ
You might have some questions about the application process, check our grants FAQ for answers to common questions.
Projects this grant has already supported:
The South West Enterprise Fund supports entrepreneur to pursue handmade jewellery business
Thanks to Founders Nick Robinson and Giles Smallwood, The South West Enterprise Fund (SWEF) has recently launched to give young […]
Max receives a helping hand for his surf board shaping business with a grant from SWEF
Since making his first board in 2020, surf coach Max had a dream to become a full-time surfboard shaper and […]
An independent bookshop for Newquay with support from the SWEF fund.
After a successful 18 months as a pop-up, a grant from SWEF supported Jamie to bring her dream of being […]
Start an application
Before starting an application, check your organisation is eligible, and that have your supporting documents ready.
Accessible application submissions:
If you have additional needs and would like support completing your application, please contact us on 01566 779333 or email us at grants@cornwallfoundation.com
Apply now:
You’ve checked our criteria, found the right grant for you and have all your documents ready so let’s start your application.
Apply NowIf you've applied before
You’ve found the right grant so let’s get your application in. When you log into your account you’ll find that key documents are saved along with lots of information you’ve already provided.
Get support applying today
If you aren’t sure if one of our grants is right for you, you can contact our Community Outreach Officer. Shannon can answer your questions and guide you through the process. Book a Grant Support Call, or reach out using the details below.
Shannon Lenton
Outreach Officer
01566 779333
