Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed new figures showing that 130 people in Gosport have been supported to start their own business since April 2011 thanks to the Government's New Enterprise Allowance Scheme.
The allowance – which supports people on out of work benefits to start their own business – has helped more than 73,000 people across the country set up businesses since it was introduced in April 2011.
The support available to people starts with help from a business mentor to develop their business idea. Then, once they have got the business up and running, and have moved off benefits, they are eligible for 26 weeks of financial support as they get their business going. To date, 90 people in Gosport have received mentoring support while 40 have successfully established a new business.
Commenting on the figures, Caroline said:
"I'm so pleased that people in Gosport have been able to get off of benefits and realise their dream of starting their own business and being their own boss. Small enterprises are a hugely important part of our community and vital to local jobs.
"Supporting small businesses is an important part of the Government's commitment to backing working people. There's certainly more to do, but these figures show that this support is giving people the promise of a brighter future. Each new job these businesses create in Gosport represents another family with the security and dignity of regular work and a regular pay packet."
If you have a great business idea and are interested in the money and support offered by the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme, talk to your local Jobcentre Plus adviser. More information about eligibility can be found here.
