Mon, 10 Jan 2011
Extra help for those looking to start up their own business is to be made available from today (February 22nd).
The government is providing those who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for at least 13 weeks - which may include people who have been made redundant from their previous job - assistance with getting their firm off the ground, Fresh Business Thinking reports.
This includes a series of sessions where people can receive advice from experts, mentoring support for 16 weeks after they begin trading and £50 per week for the same time period in the form of self-employment credit.
Government money will be used to cover the cost of the initiative and minister for employment and welfare reform Jim Knight explained that the government is "making self-employment a realistic option for more people".
"We know that many unemployed people have the experience and desire to set up their own business," he was quoted as saying, adding that the new enterprises will play a key role in "sustaining future economic growth" over the long term, as well as provide job opportunities for others.
Wasim Qureshi of Jobcentre Plus stated that there are currently a number of advantages to starting a business in the present economic climate, such as potentially lower costs associated with office rent and supplies.
One person who has formed his own company is Andy Dance of Swansea, who made the move after losing his job at the start of last year.
He has since established Cymru Glazing and Upvc Repairs after taking courses to learn about issues such as tax and marketing, according to the South Wales Evening Post.
Based on research of a thousand businesses, read more about how nurturing talent amongst your workforce will help you through the current economic climate.
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