Your starting point doesn’t define your potential
Register for a Funded TFDI Place
Have an idea, a new business, an existing business or something you’re ready to rebuild? We’d like to hear from you.
TFDI funded places are designed to create opportunity for people at all kinds of stages and from all kinds of backgrounds.
You do not need to be unemployed. You do not need to be receiving benefits. You do not need to prove financial hardship. You do not need to be starting your first ever business.
You might have nothing more than an idea. You might already be trading. You might be changing direction, rebuilding something that stalled, launching a side business or finally turning years of experience into something of your own.
If a TFDI place could genuinely help you move forward, you are welcome to register your interest.
This is a funded place — not a cash grant.
Successful applicants do not receive £547 in cash.
Instead, the cost of your TFDI package is funded on your behalf, giving you access to the website, digital infrastructure, resources, learning and support included within the programme.
A funded TFDI place can include:
- a professionally built business website
- 12 months website hosting and SSL
- business email and digital foundations
- starter business content and launch support
- 12 months Full Guild membership
- access to the Core Pillars
- full access to The Armoury
- live sessions, workshops and community support
We’re not looking for one particular type of entrepreneur.
TFDI is built around the idea that different people start from different places and want different things from their businesses.
A local tradesperson, online retailer, consultant, maker, freelancer, creator, service business, side project or completely new idea could all be equally suitable.
What matters more is whether the support has the potential to be genuinely useful and whether you’re willing to do something with the opportunity.
Registering is the first step — not a guarantee.
Funded places will be offered as funding and programme capacity become available. Registering your interest does not guarantee selection, and availability may vary between general TFDI places, sponsored places and locally funded partner programmes.
There is no single “right” applicant
Who Can Register?
TFDI funded places are designed to be widely accessible. You do not have to fit a narrow definition of “startup” to put your hand up.
You’ve got an idea and want help turning it into something real.
You’re preparing to launch and need stronger foundations before going live.
You’ve started trading but still need help getting the basics properly in place.
You’re already established but need to strengthen, rebuild or modernise part of the business.
You’re building something alongside work, family or other commitments.
You’re ready to turn your skills, experience or interests into something of your own.
Something didn’t work the first time and you’re ready to rebuild with better foundations.
You sell your skills, creativity or expertise and want to turn that into a stronger business.
Don’t see yourself in one of those boxes?
Register anyway. These are examples, not eligibility categories. If you are trying to build, rebuild or develop a genuine business and a funded TFDI place could help, we want to hear from you.
What happens next?
The Journey To A Funded Place
Registering your interest is only the first step. Here’s what you can expect afterwards.
1. Register
Complete the registration form and tell us about you, your business or your idea.
2. Review
We’ll review your application to understand where you are, what you’re trying to achieve and how a funded place could help.
3. Allocation
As funded places become available through TFDI, sponsors or partner organisations, we’ll begin offering places.
4. Build Together
If you’re offered a place, we’ll guide you through onboarding before helping you build strong foundations for your business.
A quick note about funded places
We expect demand for funded places to exceed the number immediately available, particularly during the TFDI 500 campaign.
Registering your interest means we’ll consider you as opportunities become available through community funding, business sponsors, partner organisations and future TFDI programmes.
Every registration helps demonstrate the demand for more funded places.