Brian Whittle MSP has welcomed new figures from the UK government that show over 1100 jobseekers across Ayrshire have used support from their local Jobcentre and the New Enterprise Allowance scheme to start their own business.
Between April 2011 and June 2020, 1130 people in Ayrshire took advantage of the scheme. That’s over 100 more than in Edinburgh.
The New Enterprise Allowance scheme offers jobseekers a personal business mentor, a weekly living allowance and the opportunity to apply for up to £25,000 to support the creation of their new business.
Commenting on the figures, Brian Whittle MSP said:
“These figures show that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Ayrshire. As someone who has started more than one business from scratch, I know it can be a daunting prospect. The financial support and encouragement that Jobcentres and the New Enterprise Allowance scheme offer can make a real difference to jobseekers looking to start their own business.
Ayrshire is full of successful businesses that started with one person and an idea. As the economy recovers from the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that anyone looking for work who has the ambition to start their own business can get that opportunity.
I’d encourage any job seeker who’s thought about starting their own business to give it a try and make the most of the support that’s out there.”
