Henry Smith MP has welcomed the latest figures showing that the Start-Up Loans and New Enterprise Allowance schemes have supported 121 people in Crawley to set up their own business.

The figures show that Start-Up Loans have helped 71 people in Crawley set up a business, with £460,729 worth of loans since the scheme launched in 2012. 

The New Enterprise Allowance has also helped another 50 people to launch their own firm.

Henry said;

“I’m pleased that this Government’s policies to help set up new businesses are having an effect in Crawley. 121 people have been helped to set up their own firm through the Start-Up Loans and New Enterprise Allowance schemes.

“These new companies are helping people in Crawley find further employment opportunities.

“Crawley unemployment is down by almost a third over the last year; 414 people in our town have come off Jobseeker’s Allowance since May 2014. Of course there’s more to do – while 30,000 Start-Up Loans have been awarded, the Government is committed to increasing this figure to 75,000.

“This will lead to even greater job opportunities for people in Crawley and throughout the UK."

Across the country, 30,000 people have benefitted from Start-Up loans, with £155 million lent to assist new businesses. 

The New Enterprise Allowance scheme, launched in 2011, has seen another 70,000 new businesses set up. 

This scheme, available to jobseekers, and those claiming Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance, gives those with a feasible business idea support from a business mentor to help them develop their plan, and then assist with funding if the plan is approved.