Grantee portal 
Community Foundation North East is pleased to announce the launch of two grant programmes for young entrepreneurs in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
The programmes will be run in partnership with SWEF, which works with regional Community Foundations across the UK to deliver grant funding for new and early-stage enterprises. SWEF was established in 2022 with the aim of supporting 500 young entrepreneurs every year to start and develop their own businesses.
Applicants aged 18-30 can apply to one of two grant programmes to help transform their own UK-registered businesses. Start-up grants of up to £500 are available for pre-revenue businesses or businesses turning over less than £500 per month that have been trading for less than two years, whilst development grants of up to £2,000 are available for businesses turning over more than £500 per month that have been trading for less than two and a half years.
The grants can be used for items, such as equipment, that will help a business achieve increased revenues, prototypes and product development, websites and booking systems builds, training, and goods and services provided from within the UK are preferred.
However, the grants cannot be used for salaries, debt repayment, app/software development, rent and utilities, new computers/phones/tablets, or businesses that involve beauty treatments such as Botox, aesthetics, semi-permanent makeup, facial tattoos, and dermal fillers.
SWEF will also provide the opportunity for successful applicants to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences, and learn from one another.
Ross Wilson, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“We can’t wait to offer this support to young entrepreneurs to gain their footing in the world of self-employment, regardless of their experience, background, or circumstances. There are so many challenges and barriers that young people especially have to overcome to start or grow their businesses, and we’re optimistic that these grants will lead to the establishment of some outstanding local enterprises. The North East has a renowned history of entrepreneurship and innovation, and this support will go some way to helping the next generation of business leaders thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the region’s economy.”
Nick Robinson, Grants Manager at SWEF, said:
“SWEF is delighted to be able to offer its start-up and business grants through Community Foundation North East. We’re keen to support as many disadvantaged young people as possible to develop their businesses, and we can’t wait to meet the applicants from the region and see what the North East of England has to offer.”
Applications open on Monday 23 February.
