§ Sir David MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many schemes his Department runs to provide help or finance for small firms; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. ForthThe Department runs or supports three schemes providing help or advice for small firms as well as local schemes through training and enterprise councils. These are:
Information counselling and consultancy
- Locally tailored schemes through Training and Enterprise Councils.
Training
- Locally tailored schemes through Training and Enterprise Councils.
Finance
- Enterprise Allowance through Training and Enterprise Councils.
- The Loan Guarantee Scheme
- Loan Funds of the Prince's Youth business Trust/Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust.
- Informal Investment projects.