Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Somerset Community Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Fund provides grants of up to £2,000 to help early-stage businesses grow and develop. It supports young entrepreneurs aged 18–30 who are already trading and based in Somerset, North Somerset, or Bath and North East Somerset. Funding focuses on proven business growth activities such as new products, equipment upgrades, training, and digital development.
The Somerset Community Foundation is inviting grant applications to support the growth and development of early-stage businesses led by young entrepreneurs.
This funding opportunity is designed for small, trading businesses that are ready to scale, diversify, or strengthen their operations through targeted investment.
About the Fund
The Young Entrepreneurs Growth Fund supports business development rather than business start-up ideas.
Applicants must already be trading and generating sales, with funding aimed at helping businesses move from early traction to sustainable growth.
The grant can be used to strengthen core operations, expand offerings, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Funding Amount and Purpose
Eligible applicants can apply for grants of up to £2,000.
The funding is flexible but must clearly contribute to business growth, development, or increased income.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
The fund supports a wide range of practical business needs, including:
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Expanding existing product lines or services
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Developing and launching new products
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Purchasing or upgrading equipment
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Increasing production where demand is already proven
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Investing in equipment that enables a second revenue stream
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Building or improving websites, e-commerce platforms, or booking systems
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Creating prototypes or testing new product ideas
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Training and skills development related to business growth
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Purchasing materials or stock required for expansion
All proposed costs should have a clear link to revenue generation or long-term business sustainability.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this funding, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Aged between 18 and 30 years
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Living in Somerset, North Somerset, or Bath and North East Somerset
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Running a business that has been trading for less than two years
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Already generating sales from the business
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Applying for funding to grow or develop an existing business, not to start a new one
Both sole traders and small business owners can apply, provided they meet the location, age, and trading requirements.
Why This Funding Matters
Early-stage businesses often struggle to access traditional finance during their first two years.
This grant helps young entrepreneurs overcome early growth barriers by providing small but strategic funding at a critical stage.
The fund enables recipients to:
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Respond to proven market demand
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Improve operational capacity
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Professionalise their business setup
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Test and launch new revenue-generating ideas
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Build skills and resilience as business owners
By focusing on already trading businesses, the fund maximises the likelihood of real economic and community impact.
How the Grant Works
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Applicants identify a clear growth opportunity within their existing business.
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A funding request is made for specific costs linked to that opportunity.
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The Somerset Community Foundation reviews applications based on eligibility, clarity, and growth potential.
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Successful applicants receive up to £2,000 to implement their proposed business development activity.
Applicants should be prepared to explain how the funding will improve income, capacity, or long-term sustainability.
How to Apply
While application deadlines and forms are managed by the Somerset Community Foundation, applicants should prepare the following before applying:
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A clear description of the business and trading history
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Evidence that the business has already made sales
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A breakdown of how the grant funding will be used
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An explanation of how the investment will support growth or increased revenue
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Basic information about the applicant’s age and place of residence
Applicants are advised to keep proposals practical, realistic, and focused on measurable outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying with only a business idea and no trading history
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Requesting funding for general living costs or unrelated expenses
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Failing to clearly link the funding request to business growth
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Submitting vague budgets without cost breakdowns
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Proposing activities that do not show evidence of customer demand
Clear, specific, and growth-focused applications are more likely to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants can apply for grants of up to £2,000.
Can I apply if my business is less than one year old?
Yes. Businesses must be trading and generating sales but must be less than two years old.
Do I need to be a registered company?
No. Sole traders and other small business structures are eligible, as long as the business is trading.
Can the grant be used to start a business?
No. The fund only supports businesses that are already trading and have made sales.
Is training an eligible expense?
Yes. Training that directly supports business growth, skills development, or income generation is eligible.
Can I apply if I live outside Somerset?
No. Applicants must live in Somerset, North Somerset, or Bath and North East Somerset.
Does the fund support online businesses?
Yes. Online and digital businesses are eligible if all other criteria are met.
Conclusion
The Somerset Community Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Growth Fund offers targeted financial support to help young business owners turn early success into sustainable growth.
With grants of up to £2,000, the fund empowers young entrepreneurs to invest in equipment, skills, products, and systems that directly increase revenue and long-term viability.
For eligible applicants who are already trading and ready to grow, this funding represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen their business foundations and scale with confidence.
For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.