Helping young people change their lives through entrepreneurship
HIWCF has partnered with SWEF to launch an exciting new initiative offering grant funding for startups and new small business grants to young people aged 18–30 who face financial barriers to investing in their business ideas -including those from low-income backgrounds or with limited access to traditional business funding.
Through this partnership, HIWCF and SWEF are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by providing business grants for small businesses of up to £2,000. These start up business grants are designed to help young people start or grow a business, purchase vital equipment or stock, and invest in areas that will take their ventures to the next level.
SWEF was founded to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs, particularly those who have great ideas but lack access to grant money for small businesses or traditional business loans and grants.
“We launched SWEF after realising that although there is a lot of support and advice for young people trying to launch their first venture, there is virtually nowhere to get the cash injection they often need,” explains Katie Sharp, Grants Manager at SWEF.
“We look for initiative and a strong work ethic. We want to help young people change their lives through entrepreneurship. We ask to see a business plan and interview applicants about their ambitions – we want to see them thinking strategically about their business.”
These grants for starting a small business can be used for:
• Equipment and tools
• Materials or product development
• Branding, packaging or one-off professional services
• Stock and setup costs
• Marketing support or legal fees
Young grantees also benefit from access to a dedicated small business forum – a peer-to-peer network where they can exchange ideas, ask questions and gain support from other new business grant recipients.
Read more about how HIWCF supports young entrepreneurs
Apply for a Small Business Grant
If you’re aged 18–30 and looking to take your first step into entrepreneurship, now is the time to apply for a business grant. Whether you need funding for a start up business, help to purchase stock, or grant funding for small businesses, the HIWCF and SWEF programme could help turn your business dream into reality.
This opportunity is open to self-employed young people, sole traders, or those looking for grants available for small businesses with a social or local impact. It’s ideal for those seeking new business funding, grants for new business owners, or small business help in getting started.
