Young and not working yet? Your idea could be your first job.

• GrantAges 18–30Check first

  The King’s Trust Enterprise programme

  For 18 to 30 year olds with a business idea: free workshops, a named contact for up to 12 months, a Test My Business Idea grant of up to £500, and start-up funding of up to £30,000 (a grant plus a Start Up Loan).

  • Test My Business Idea grant: up to £500, used within 3 months
  • Start Up funding: a grant of £100 to £5,000 you don’t repay, plus a loan of £500 to £25,000, up to £30,000 in total
  • You own at least half the business and have traded for less than a year, or not started yet
  • After launch: a volunteer mentor, masterclasses and networking for up to 3 years
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• GrantAges under 25

  Young Person’s Start Up Grant (Wales)

  Up to £2,000 you don’t repay, plus adviser support, for under-25s in Wales who are out of work or study and starting their own business.

  • Up to £2,000 for equipment, training or marketing
  • Under 25, living in or returning to Wales; unemployed or not in education or training, or finishing a course within 3 months
  • Work through Big Ideas Wales support with an adviser first; available until 2027
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Keep an incomeJob search until approved

  Universal Credit start-up period

  If a work coach decides you are gainfully self-employed, you can get up to 12 months of Universal Credit based on your actual earnings, with no need to look for other work.

  What is this, and what do I have to do? →
  • Up to 12 months, from the assessment period in which you are found gainfully self-employed at a self-employment interview
  • No minimum income floor and no job search during it; quarterly check-ins on active steps
  • Usually once only: another needs 5+ years and a different trade you have stopped
  • Afterwards the minimum income floor usually applies (35 hours at £12.71/hour, aged 21+, from April 2026)
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Loan

  Start Up Loans

  A government-backed personal loan of £500 to £25,000 at a fixed 7.5%, with free help on your business plan and up to 12 months of mentoring.

  • £500 to £25,000 per person, repaid over 1 to 5 years, no fees
  • Fixed 7.5% a year for applications from 6 April 2026
  • For UK businesses trading less than 5 years, or not yet started; credit check applies
  • Run by the British Business Bank; available across the UK
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Grant

  Access to Work

  A grant you do not repay for practical support at work, such as equipment, support workers or travel, if you have a disability or health condition, including when self-employed.

  • For self-employment in England, Scotland or Wales; you must be working or starting within 12 weeks
  • Self-employed applicants need turnover of at least £6,500 a year
  • Pays for work support, not general start-up costs; does not affect other benefits
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026

Summaries are simplified. Always check the official source before you apply.