Funding and Support

The USW Enterprise Startup Fund(s) is designed to help students and graduates take the first step toward launching a business, freelance career or social enterprise. This grant funding provides a vital financial boost to help turn promising entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

It’s easy to apply and can support a wide range of eligible items, provided there’s a clear rationale for how they’ll help move your idea forward. Examples include:

• Equipment and materials
• Website development
• Marketing and advertising costs
• Relevant training courses
• Test trading activities
• Networking opportunities
• Market research activities

(This list is not exahsutive)

Please note, funding is competitive and there is a limited annual budget. The USW Enterprise Team reserves the right to withdraw this funding opportunity at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] 

Eligibility

The funding is open to current University of South Wales students and recent graduates (within 3 years of graduation).

Applicants must demonstrate clear ambition to start a business, freelance career, or social enterprise, and have made initial progress in developing the idea.

Applicants must be in a position to register their business (sole trader, limited company, etc.) within 6 months of applying (subject to panel and Manager discretion). 

Funding is for UK-based businesses only. Applicants on a Student Visa are not eligible due to visa restrictions, but those on a Graduate Route Visa are eligible to apply.

Previous recipients of the USW Enterprise Startup Fund(s) are eligible to reapply, so long as they have not exceeded £1000 in total award.

Students or graduates who have received £1,000 or more from past USW competitions are ineligible.

How the Funding Works

The funding is reimbursement-based. You must spend the approved amount first and provide receipts/proof of purchase to claim it back.

All planned purchases must be pre-approved in writing by the Enterprise Team. Items that benefit only the individual (e.g. personal vehicles, laptops, Gaming PCs, ipads) are not eligible. 

Claims are submitted via a Expense Form with all relevant receipts and documentation.

After submission, payments may take up to 30 days to be processed.

In some circumstances we may be able to make purchases on your behalf, limited by the USW finance regulations.

Application Process

To apply for the USW Enterprise Startup Fund(s), you’ll need to provide one or all of the following:

• Your student/graduate details
• Business name, and any relevant social media/website links
• A completed Business Overview Template outlining:
  -Concept
  -Market research
  -Marketing plan
  -Operations
  -Costs
  -Skills
  -Progress to date
  -Funding request and use
  -Next steps

If applying as a team, one member should submit the application, with details of all members included.

Review Criteria

Your application will be assessed on:

• Viability: Clear market need, audience, and value proposition.
• Clarity: A well-structured and easy-to-understand application.
• Impact: A breakdown of how funding will support business development.
• Commitment: Evidence of genuine engagement and momentum.
• Barriers & Need: This is the driving criteria, that the panel can see a clear benefit to the applicant and progression of the idea. 

e.g. a photographer requesting a new lens who has the capability to trade, has less of a need than an applicant who requires business insurance to operate. 

Successful applicants will be invited to meet with the Enterprise Team to pitch and/or for next steps. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to request feedback and resubmit in future rounds.

The Enterprise Team’s decision on all funding allocations is final. There is no dispute or appeals process. 

For help with your application, contact [email protected]