New start up support for disabled entrepreneurs

From 14 January, disabled people can get support through Access to Work when setting up their own business if they are enrolled on the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA).

Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey said:

"If 2013 is the year aspiring disabled people want to set up in business – then Access to Work can help.

We’ve opened up our flagship programme so that disabled people have the same choice to start up their own business as everyone else - in every sector, from hairdressing to engineering and everything in between.

Through this scheme I am determined to get more disabled people into mainstream jobs – the same as everyone else."

The NEA provides expert coaching and financial support for jobseekers with a business idea. Strong take up of the NEA scheme in its first year has seen more than 8,000 businesses set up by jobseekers across the country.

Access to Work support can help pay for specialised equipment, support workers and travel costs when setting up a business. The measure aims to boost the half a million disabled people already self-employed who make up 15 per cent of those who are in work.

Further information

www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Access to Work Factsheet

Employer’s Guide to Access to Work

www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business