Funding for Young People   

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IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

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To avoid delays, it’s essential you apply for the grant that best matches your stage of business, as applying for the wrong grant will delay your application.

Please carefully read through our criteria before applying.

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How does it work?

  • Review our Eligibility Criteria and select the grant that is suitable.

  • We’ll review your application, and you may be invited to a Zoom interview!

  • If you are awarded a grant, it’ll be paid directly into your bank account.

  • Successful applicants should ideally spend their grant within a month of receiving the grant, and feedback is requested after 12 months.

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START-UP GRANT

If you’re launching a business and need funding to get started, this grant can help with essential equipment, training, or a website.

You can apply for up to £500

  • Your business is pre-revenue or has only just started trading

  • You must be aged 18–30

  • After 6 months, successful grantees can reapply for additional funds up to £1,500

  • In partnership with SWEF, Backing Business Initiative

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Grant requirements

  • Aged 18–30

  • Business is UK-based

  • Business is not yet trading, or has started within the last two months

  • You can demonstrate a clear financial need

SWEF does not fund

  • Salaries, rent, debt repayment

  • Software subscriptions

  • New laptops, phones, or tablets (refurbished items may be considered)

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Key requirement
Applicants must show they have taken significant steps to develop their business idea, beyond planning.

Support provided
SWEF provides each grant recipient the opportunity to join a peer network. All successful applicants also receive a one-year membership to the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

Apply now
To apply for a grant, follow the link, complete the form, then click submit. Any problems email info@youngdevon.org

Grant requirements

  • Aged 18–30

  • Business is UK-based

  • You are the majority owner

  • The business is your main work focus, or will be soon

  • You can demonstrate a financial need for the grant

SWEF does not fund

  • Salaries, rent, debt repayment

  • Software subscriptions

  • New laptops, phones, or tablets (refurbished items may be considered)

If your business is up and running and you need funding to expand, this grant can support new products, equipment, or training.

Awarded up to £2,000.

  • Apply for any amount up to £2,000

  • If you don’t have access to any other funding

  • Teams are also eligible for a grant

  • For companies trading less than 2 years

  • In partnership with SWEF, Backing Business Initiative

ENTERPRISE GRANT

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Larger business expenses
If you need funding for an item over £2,000, SWEF may contribute up to 25% of the total cost.

Key requirement
Applicants must provide quotes or links for any purchases they plan to make with the grant.

Support provided
SWEF peer network and one-year Chamber of Commerce membership also apply.

Apply now
To apply for a grant, follow the link, complete the form, then click submit. Any problems email info@youngdevon.org

TRAINING FUND

Helping young people in Devon get into employment or training. Training Support Grant. If financial barriers are holding you back, this grant can support work equipment, travel costs, or specialist clothing.

Awarded up to £500.

  • Apply for any amount up to £500

  • For essential items to help access training or employment

  • Support getting into training or employment

  • This could include interview clothing and travel costs

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Who it is for
The Training and Employment Support Grant is for any young person aged 16–30 who is entering training, an apprenticeship, or starting a job after being unemployed.

This grant will help pay for essential items which remove barriers to accessing or remaining in training or work. Employment and mentoring support will also be given to recipients who qualify under Young Devon programmes.

Apply now
Download and complete the Training Application Form, then email it to participation@youngdevon.org

If you have any questions, or need help filling out the form, email participation@youngdevon.org

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