On this page you will find links and resources to help you to fund your business idea. If you need to apply for funding, or want to enter one of the competition or initiatives below make sure you contact us for help beforehand.
Your first step to funding your business. This fund is quick and easy to apply for and it's great to support your first steps towards an entrepreneurial career. Flash Fund is open for limited periods during the autumn and spring terms. Apply for Flash Fund
EntAct Seed Fund Sponsored by Santander - £500
The EntAct Seed Fund is designed for students and graduates who have a developed idea for a business or social enterprise. You will be ready to start or grow your business or social enterprise. While you may not be generating significant revenue yet, you may have test traded, made some initial sales or you will have developed an MVP and started to validate your idea. Apply for Seed Fund
CF5 Start Fund Sponsored by Santander - upto £3000
This funding is designed for graduates who are already trading and want to grow their business or social enterprise. While you may not be generating significant revenue yet, you will either have made some initial sales or you will have developed an MVP and validated your idea. Apply for Start Fund
Welsh Government Grants - upto £2000
Two new start-up grants from the Welsh Gov. The Young Persons start up grant is for those under the age of 25. You will not be eligable for this grant while you are still studying, however it is worth making contact with Big Ideas Wales up to three months before graduation. The Barriers Grant is for those who are over 25, but who face specific barriers to starting a business.
The Young Innovators Programme
Includes annual awards for young people with creative and ground-breaking business ideas and a high-profile #IdeasMeanBusiness campaign, in partnership between Innovate UK and the Prince's Trust. By 2023, the Young Innovators programme will award up to 100 young people from diverse backgrounds with a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching and an allowance to cover living costs. Click to see more.
Specialist support for social entrepreneurs at any stage, combining cash and coaching to help nurture ideas and grow impact. Awards from £8000 to £16,000 across two separate startup packages. UnLtd Funding.
The Development Bank of Wales provide flexible business finance for companies based in Wales from £1,000 up to £5 million. Loans and equity. Secured and unsecured.
A new programme for UK energy start-ups in partnership with Unreasonable Group. The initiative complements Shell’s wider efforts on building an entrepreneurial ecosystem locally and globally. The programme focuses on scale and growth-stage start-ups that are best placed to accelerate a fair and just energy transition, improve access to energy and help consumers make smarter energy choices.
Click for more info.
The Pitch is marketed as the UK's largest pitching competition. It's a great way to test out your business idea and get support and investment into your business. Over the years The Pitch has helped thousands of small businesses grow and run an inspiring programme of activity both online and through live events. And the best part? It's all completely free!
See more at www.thepitch.co.uk
DBACE - Deutche Bank enterprise programme for social good.
Competition style funding for creative businesses that have social aims.
A £50,000 prize pot which will be split between 5 winners, also mentoring and other support. More information here.
FSB - Support, Events and Awards
The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses is the largest body in the UK representing small businesses. Membership of the FBS brings many rewards. The FSB are also very active in South Wales and run a number of networking events, these are for free or with a low fee. They also have business awards, more details here.
Want some advice?
Drop us a line if you need advice or support for your entry or your pitch. Contact us here.
