§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what help her Department gives to(a) district and (b) borough councils to help local business to (i) expand and (ii) start up. [105514]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Department supports small businesses and those thinking of starting a business through the Small Business Service (SBS). SBS works through a network of business link operators across England who provide information, advice, or access to experts on any aspect needed to start and expand a business. The budget totalled £140 million in 2002–03. Business link operators are independent autonomous organisations who work in partnership with local organisations such as their local authorities, district and borough councils.
SBS funds over 90 Phoenix Development Fund projects to promote enterprise in disadvantaged areas amongst disadvantaged groups, a number have active local council involvement and two are run by local councils. Haringey council is being funded to undertake enterprise outreach work with young people in the local African Caribbean community. Stevenage borough 505W council is receiving funding for 'Community Enterprise Champions' to work with groups who have found it difficult to access traditional forms of business support e.g. ethnic minorities, women and young people.