The Coalition Government has set out plans to help create up to 40,000 new businesses by 2013 as part of its strategy for growth and job creation.
Ministers will double the scope of the planned New Enterprise Allowance to help thousands of unemployed people set up their own businesses. Support on offer under the scheme includes access to start-up loans and a business mentor.
A range of other measures announced by the Government today will give a boost to private sector growth and small businesses. A network of at least 40,000 experienced business mentors will offer practical advice to existing businesses and people looking to start new businesses. Businesslink.gov.uk will be overhauled, while a national contact centre will be set up to help small businesses find the information they need.
Announcing the strengthening of the Government’s growth plans, Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Throughout this year and beyond we will be focused relentlessly on supporting growth and driving job creation across our economy. Backing new enterprises to start up and small businesses to grow will be what transforms our economy and will deliver the many thousands of new jobs we will see created this year.
“It is vital that we ensure businesses, and those people who find themselves out of work but have the drive and desire to set up their own business, have all the advice, support and mentoring they need. Together we can make the years ahead some of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial in our history.”