New figures show that between April 2011 and June 2020, 270 Borderers started a business with help from their local Jobcentre.
The New Enterprise Allowance was set up by the UK Government in 2011 to help jobseekers launch their own business and get back into work.
The scheme offers participants a personal business mentor and a weekly living allowance. It also gives them the opportunity to apply for financial backing of up to £25,000 to get their start-up off the ground.
The figures also show that 13,000 jobseekers across Scotland used the support scheme to launch their own business.
Eligible applicants need to be over 18 and be receiving Universal Credit. Interested jobseekers can talk to their Jobcentre work coach to see if they can take part in the scheme.
John Lamont MP said:
“The New Enterprise Allowance was set up a few years ago to help those who are out of work to start their own business.
“Over 250 people in the Borders have benefited from the scheme since its inception.
“It is important that the UK Government continue to help people back into work, whether this be helping to find a job or supporting them in starting a new business.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart MP added:
“It’s fantastic to see tens of thousands of people in Scotland have benefitted from the UK Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme since its launch.
“Encouraging entrepreneurship, helping people back into employment and supporting businesses are key priorities for the UK Government and will help drive economic recovery as we build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.
