Wiltshire Community Foundation is working in partnership with the SWEF to provide grants of £2,000 to young people in Wiltshire and Swindon who are, self-employed, running a business or thinking of starting one in the next 6 months. As part of the programme, SWEF provides the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences and learn.

To be eligible to apply individuals need to be:

• aged 18 to 30
• living in Wiltshire or Swindon
• planning to start their business within the next 6 months or if they are already running one have been trading for no more than 2 years

Grants can be used towards capital items and running costs such as:

• stock, equipment or materials
• rent or business-related bills

Their application process is simple and straightforward, and many previous applicants have told them that it helped sharpen their business plans and gave them the confidence to succeed.

Further guidance on the programme is available here.

The Grants Manager for Wiltshire Community Foundation can be contacted on 01380 738985.