SWEF Enterprise Fund (Merseyside)
Funding
£500 – £2,000
Deadline
Check with the funder
Location
Merseyside
Applications
Rolling applications
Overview
The SWEF Enterprise Fund helps young people in Merseyside get a new business going. You can apply for a start-up grant of up to £500 or a business grant of up to £2,000, and you don't have to pay it back. You need to be 18 to 30, live in Merseyside, and be launching a business or running one that has traded for less than three years. It is aimed especially at people who are not in education, work or training, or who are on benefits. There is no deadline. You start with an expression of interest form, then SWEF may invite you to a short online call before deciding. Official source: https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/grants/swef-enterprise-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 21 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Aged 18 to 30 and living in Merseyside.
- Business trading for under three years.
- Start-up grant up to £500 or business grant up to £2,000.
- Business bank account needed.
- No deadline.
People aged 18 to 30 living in Merseyside, with a business trading for under three years (sole trader, limited company or CIC limited by shares), a business bank account and a demonstrable financial need.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Young entrepreneurs in Merseyside who need help with early business costs.
Sectors
Regions
Full details from Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside (SWEF)
Grants for young people aged 18 to 30 in Merseyside who are starting or running a new business, trading for under three years, and who cannot afford essential business costs, particularly those not in education, employment or training. There is a start-up grant of up to £500 and a business grant of up to £2,000. The money does not have to be paid back. Grants can pay for equipment, materials, website building, marketing, product development and training, but not salaries, rent, bills, debt, ongoing software subscriptions or new computers. You need a business bank account and should be able to show financial need. There is no deadline: you can apply at any time, and decisions take about six weeks.
Complete the expression of interest form linked on the fund page. If you are eligible, the Community Foundation sends you the start-up or business grant form, and SWEF may invite you to a short online meeting.
Loading your grant tools...
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new social enterprise funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 21 October 2026