Funding is available to support a broad range of business costs, providing that applicants can demonstrate how the expenditure will support the growth of their business.

Businesses who have been operating (trading less than 2.5 years) and have generated income can apply for grants up £2,000. Start-up businesses (pre-revenue stage, or within a month or two of starting to trade and with a monthly revenue less than £500) are only eligible for smaller grant amounts, up to £500. 

After 6 months, successful start-up grantees, can reapply for additional funds up to £2000 if the business has progressed.

A business must be an applicant’s sole work focus or have a clear plan on how the business will be their sole focus in the coming months.

For example, grants could be given for:

• Equipment to increase production or to make production more efficient.
• Equipment that will help diversity revenue where there is proven demand.
• Materials/stock for a new product line.
• Product development.
• Training.
• Building a website and booking system.

Funding cannot be used for:

• Unethical, illegal or immoral business practices or activity (including but not limited to:
  gambling; armaments/weaponry; tobacco/vaping products; pornography; depictions or
  acts of violence against people or animals; discriminatory/abusive behaviour or activity);
• Activities promoting a particular religious or political belief;
• Overseas travel;
• Any activity which is a statutory responsibility of a public body;
• Salaries;
• Rent and utilities;
• Debt repayment;
• Stock for an existing product line;
• Ongoing software subscriptions;
• New computers, phones, and tablets (second-hand only). NB on a match funded basis, SWEF will consider applications for refurbished technology.  However, in order to be successful, the applicant will need to explain why the laptop, tablet or phone will transform their business. A link to the refurbished item will also be required, with an explanation of why they need this piece of specific technology.
• Software/App development – apps/software should be ready to launch or already launched at the point of applying to SWEF. We will fund a wireframe, but not app development;
• Equipment or products relating to invasive beauty treatments – Botox, aesthetics, semi-permanent make-up, no facial tattoos, dermal fillers
• SWEF are trying to support UK businesses and grant funding towards goods and services provided within the UK is preferable
• The cost of a single item or piece of equipment for Business Grants cannot be higher than £10K (where applicants are wanting to purchase a high value item and SWEF provides up to £2k with grant funding, the applicant has to show the ability to fund the balance)
• Applications for ‘business ideas’ will not be considered.