About this programme
Young Entrepreneurs Wales is a finance route within the Development Bank of Wales aimed specifically at people aged 18-30 who are starting or growing a business based in Wales. The Development Bank of Wales is a state-owned economic development bank; this offer sits alongside its wider business loan and equity products but is positioned and staffed for younger founders, with a dedicated team the bank calls "young entrepreneur champions."
The offer spans two forms of finance. On the debt side, loans start from £1,000 for smaller, off-the-ground funding needs and go beyond £50,000 for larger applications that require a fuller business plan and financial statements. On the equity side, the bank also runs a tech-focused investment route for young entrepreneurs building technology ventures, ranging from £50,000-£250,000 at seed stage up to £2 million for early-stage or established tech businesses.
The bank states it supported over 100 young people in the last financial year through this route. It also points young founders who are not yet ready to apply for finance toward Big Ideas Wales, a separate under-25s support programme (advice, workshops and a start-up grant) that can help build a business to the point where it can apply here.
How it works
Loans are tiered by size. Loans from £1,000 up to £50,000 are aimed at getting a business off the ground and are handled through a more streamlined process. Loans over £50,000 require the applicant to have a business plan and financial statements ready, reflecting the larger underwriting need.
For technology businesses, the bank offers equity investment instead of, or alongside, debt: £50,000-£250,000 for seed-stage tech companies, and up to £2 million for tech businesses that are early-stage or already established.
The route is relationship-led rather than a pure online form: applicants speak with a young entrepreneur champion first to discuss their needs, and that conversation determines what the bank will ask for next.
Who can apply
The applicant must be aged 18-30 and the business must be based in Wales. The route covers start-ups as well as businesses that are already trading and looking to grow, and covers tech ventures seeking equity investment as well as more conventional businesses seeking a loan.
How to apply
- Contact a young entrepreneur champion (via the enquiry form or "Apply now" route on the official page) to discuss the business and funding need.
- Based on that conversation, prepare the supporting material the bank asks for — for loans over £50,000, this includes a business plan and financial forecasts/statements.
- Submit the application for assessment through the bank's standard business finance process.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business plan
- Financial forecasts
- Financial statements (required for loans over £50,000)
Frequently asked
Who can apply for Young Entrepreneurs Wales finance?
Entrepreneurs aged 18-30 with a business based in Wales, whether starting up, already trading and growing, or building a tech venture. The route covers both loans and, for tech businesses, equity investment.
How much can I borrow?
Loans start from £1,000 for smaller needs and go beyond £50,000 for larger applications. Loans over £50,000 require a business plan and financial statements as part of the application.
Is equity investment available as well as loans?
Yes, for technology businesses specifically. The Development Bank of Wales offers £50,000-£250,000 in seed-stage tech investment, and up to £2 million for early-stage or established tech businesses.
What do I need to apply for a loan over £50,000?
A business plan and financial statements. The official page directs applicants to speak with a young entrepreneur champion first, who confirms exactly what is needed for the specific application.
What if my business is not yet ready to apply for finance?
The Development Bank of Wales points early-stage young founders toward Big Ideas Wales, a separate Welsh Government-backed programme for under-25s offering one-to-one business advice, workshops, and a Young Person's Start Up Grant of up to £2,000 for eligible applicants.
How do I start an application?
Contact the Development Bank of Wales through the young entrepreneurs page to speak with a young entrepreneur champion, who discusses the business and funding need and confirms what documentation is required next.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.