Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Cornwall Community Foundation’s South West Enterprise Fund provides grants of £200–£2,000 to support young Cornish entrepreneurs aged 18–30 who lack initial starter funds to launch or expand their businesses. The fund covers equipment, prototypes, materials, website or booking system development, training, and product development. Applications are assessed monthly and prioritize initiatives that demonstrate innovation, community benefit, and growth potential.
Program Overview
The South West Enterprise Fund is designed to support young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who are ready to start or grow a business but lack the financial resources to do so. Funding is aimed at helping entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable businesses while encouraging local economic growth.
The program emphasizes:
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Supporting youth entrepreneurship
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Encouraging innovative business ideas
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Enabling economic and community impact
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Providing practical support to launch or scale a business
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for:
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Equipment to create a second revenue stream or increase production
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Materials or stock for a new product line
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Prototype development
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Website or booking system creation
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Business-related training
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Product development
Funding cannot be used for:
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Salaries
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Debt repayment
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Rent or utilities
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Stock for existing product lines
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Ongoing software subscriptions
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New computers, phones, or tablets (unless refurbished and justified)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be aged 18–30
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Be residents of Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
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Have a clear business idea or be trading for less than two years
Ineligible applicants include:
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Individuals outside Cornwall or outside the specified age range
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Commercial profit-making organisations, statutory or public sector bodies
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Organisations with significant free reserves
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Projects promoting political or religious causes
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Applicants with overdue monitoring reports
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit:
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A clear explanation of their business journey
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Description of how the business benefits the local community
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Impact on family life and income generation
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Plans for future growth, where relevant
Supporting documents include:
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Governing rules
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Confirmation of at least three unrelated management committee members
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Most recent end-of-year accounts
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Recent bank statement
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Up-to-date safeguarding policy with a named safeguarding lead
Applications are assessed monthly, ensuring that eligible and well-prepared applications receive timely consideration.
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Individuals aged 18–30 residing in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly with a business idea or trading for less than two years.
2. What funding is available?
Grants range from £200 to £2,000, assessed monthly.
3. What can the grant be used for?
Eligible expenses include equipment, materials, prototypes, websites, training, and product development.
4. What expenses are not covered?
Salaries, debt repayment, rent, utilities, stock for existing lines, ongoing software subscriptions, and new computers or phones (except justified refurbished technology).
5. Can organisations apply?
No, this fund is for individual applicants only. Organisations with overdue monitoring reports are also ineligible.
6. How are applications assessed?
Applications are evaluated on clarity of business idea, community impact, potential for profit, and growth plans.
Conclusion
The South West Enterprise Fund is an excellent opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to turn their business ideas into reality. By providing essential start-up funding, mentorship, and practical support, the fund helps young people develop viable businesses that contribute to local economic growth, community benefit, and personal development. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate innovation, clear planning, and community impact to maximize their chances of success.
For more information, visit Cornwall Community Foundation.