Funding

​​​​​​​On this page you will find links and resources to help you to fund your business idea. 

Please contact us if you need to apply for funding or want to enter one of the competitions or initiatives below. You can also contact us if you need advice or support for your entry or pitch.​​

Centre for Entrepreneurship Flash Fund - £250

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. 

Find out more information and apply for Flash Fund.

Centre for Entrepreneurship Seed Fund (Sponsored by Santander) - £1000

The Centre for Entrepreneurship 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.

Find out more information and apply for Seed Fund.

CF5 Start Fund (Sponsored by Santander) - up to £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. 

Find out more and apply for Start Fund.

Welsh Government Grants - up to £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. 

Unltd - Funding and support for Social Enterprise

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. 

Find out more on the UnLtd Funding website.

Development Bank of Wales

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.​​

The Pitch

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.