§ 20. Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Minister for Women what steps the Government are taking to encourage more women to start up small and medium-sized enterprises. [130838]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Government are committed to creating an environment and a culture that encourages more women to start or grow businesses and provides the necessary help and support. This: is why we launched a national Strategic Framework for Women's
870WEnterprise in May this year to provide a co-ordinated and long-term approach to the development of women's enterprise.
We are now working with our partners nationally and in the regions to take forward the recommendations of the Framework.
We are, for example, already engaged with regional development agencies, the Business Link Network and women's enterprise networks to ensure that the need of enterprising women everywhere are properly met.