UK entrepreneurs have been asked for their views for two separate government reviews on the quality of help and support available to startup businesses.
Business advisor Teresa Graham has called for submissions from businesses on the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG), after chancellor Gordon Brown asked her to carry out a review of the initiative.
The government has also set up a study on the effectiveness of support available to budding entrepreneurs looking to go it alone after quitting their job or making the transition from unemployment.
The review, led by the Small Business Service (SBS), will look at how government-run information services help people start up a business and if any changes need to be made to improve the quality of support.
Graham said she will be looking at the role and effectiveness of the SFLG, which guarantees loans to small firms who have viable business plans but cannot raise finance due to a lack of security.
“I am delighted to have the chance to look into the role and effectiveness of the SFLG, which I know to be of great value to many businesses that would otherwise struggle to raise finance.
“The issues raised in these submissions will form the basis of discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, including lenders, small firms and their representative organisations, accountants, business support providers and the local and regional bodies.
“I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders over the next few months and I warmly welcome submissions to the review,” she said.
The SBS said that its report on the help give to entrepreneurs will look at how current support could be better promoted and how agencies such as Jobcentre Plus and Business Link could help.
Businessman Jeff Cooke, who will chair the review, said that government has committed to provide the support necessary to allow those out of work to choose their own form of future employment, including self-employment.
“Now is the chance for people to have their say on the current support and to let us know what they think would encourage more people to take the plunge and become their own boss,” he said.
To contribute to the Graham Review into the Small Firms Loan Guarantee, email graham.review@hm-treasury.x.gsi.gov.uk by 13 April 2004
If you would like to air your views on the help and support available to entrepreneurs, you can email Paul Rigby of the SBS - paul.rigby@gsi.gov.uk by 11 March 2004
