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.
CF5 Enterprise Seed Fund Sponsored by Santander
This funding is designed for students and 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. See more.
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.
A completely free digital tool designed to give you the right support, at the right time for you and your business. An array of need-to-know digital business builder modules/e-learning, tools and support plus various events and community support. From the people who brought you the Natwest Accelerator and the Back Her Business campaign - this is not to be missed.
Specialist support for social entrepreneurs at any stage, combining cash and coaching to help nurture ideas and grow impact. Awards from £500 to £15,000 across three separate startup packages.
Try it awards support social entrepreneurs to test their hunches and ideas
Do it awards provide funding and support to help you get started and create a clear social impact
Grow it awards help social entrepreneurs already thriving to grow their impact and build a sustainable financial model
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.
ACCELERATE is a programme launched and led by the Life Sciences Hub Wales, it aims to support and accelerate the translation of ideas from the health care system into new technology, products and services. ACCELERATE promotes the deployment and adoption of new technology, products and services into health and care, to create lasting economic value in Wales.
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.
Five challenges set by the Daily Telegraph with partners including Babcocks and GSK. Do you have the entrepreneurial flair to respond to these challenges and to come up with ideas to utilise STEM ideas to solve some of the worlds biggest problems.
More info here.
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.
