Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has welcomed new figures showing that 120 people in his constituency have been helped off benefits and are now running their own business, under 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 46,000 people across the country to set up successful businesses since it was introduced in April 2011.
A voluntary business mentor will initially guide the participants, assisting with training and helping them with the development of their business plan.
Once they can show the business is viable and has the potential to grow, the participants are given access to financial support worth £1,274 - over 26 weeks - to help them get their business going.
Gavin said: “It is excellent news that 120 people in South Staffordshire have been helped to get off benefits and to realise their dream of starting their own businesses and being their own boss. Small businesses are a hugely important part of our community and vital to local jobs.
“There is still a lot more to do, but these figures show that Government support is helping people to get off benefits and start running their own business, giving them the promise of a better and brighter future. Furthermore, each new job these businesses create is another family in South Staffordshire with the security of a regular pay packet.