There is a funding opportunity open now for young people in Wiltshire and Swindon. Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation are offering grants to support 18-30-year-olds who are either just starting out or already running a business.
These grants have already helped many young people take big steps forward with their businesses. For example:
- Holly – The Loaf Shack Bakery: First used her grant to buy a new oven and mixer to grow production, then secured a second to buy a van for deliveries and markets. “I feel like the real deal now… without the grants I just wouldn’t have been able to scale up.”
- Summer – Flourish Beauty Studio: Funded training and equipment to launch her salon. She now runs a training academy and employs an apprentice. “The grant was really helpful… I’ve been able to branch out into other treatments and expand my services.”
- Alex – 50 Ways to Cook: Used his first grant to launch seed subscription boxes, and a later one to buy equipment for food-growing workshops. “Since receiving the grants my business has gone from strength to strength.”
- Rosina – Spilt Milk: Received support to bulk buy fabrics and hire help. “This funding enabled me to keep up with demand and transformed my business.”
- Robert – Brenton Chocolatier: Bought a moulding machine that improved product quality and food safety. “The SWEF grant has been instrumental in developing my product range.”
Two types of grants are available:
- Start-up/early stages grant – up to £500: For young people in the early stages of setting up a business or earning less than £500 per month.
- Established business grant – up to £2000: For businesses trading under two years and earning over £500 per month, to help them grow and expand.
Applications are open!
