Thousands of jobseekers will be given help to set up their own business under a scheme offering coaching and financial support, the Government said today.
Ministers announced an extension to the New Enterprise Allowance scheme, so that 70,000 people can get help from a mentor and instant access to support when they claim jobseekers allowance, rather than having to wait six months.
Ministers said there a strong uptake in the first year of the scheme with more than 8,000 businesses set up by jobseekers across the country, including a mobile dog grooming business, a fine chocolate company and a tapas restaurant.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "If Britain is to compete on a global stage, we must do all we can to support budding entrepreneurs and build a nation where everyone aspires to great things.
"I am determined to get behind people who have ideas that will work and a can-do attitude that will turn those ideas into successful enterprises."
