We are clear that more needs to be done to encourage and help unemployed people to see self-employment as a viable route off benefits and into financial independence.

On 31 January 2011, the Minister for Employment announced the launch of Enterprise Clubs. This is a Great Britain wide initiative targeted at unemployed people interested in self-employment. It aims to support the development of a network of locally-led, community-based clubs which will grow organically across the country.

• Setting up an Enterprise Club

The main aim of Enterprise Clubs is to help people make the most of local knowledge and resources to help unemployed people in their communities set themselves up as self-employed or start their own business.

They will empower local communities and encourage people to work together to offer additional support to unemployed people who are interested in becoming self-employed. They will also help local communities to become more prosperous by encouraging private sector growth.

Enterprise Clubs will provide unemployed people interested in self-employment with a place to meet and exchange skills, make contacts, share experiences, receive support and encourage each other to work through their business ideas.

Other support to get Britain working

Enterprise Clubs is one of a number of options we are developing to get Britain working and will focus on supporting unemployed people interested in self-employment ahead of entry to the Work Programme. It will complement support offered by the New Enterprise Allowance, which is available to people who have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more.

• Get Britain Working – more information on other welfare to work measures
• New Enterprise Allowance – more information on support to become self-employed for people who have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more.
• Work Clubs – more information on setting up a Work Club to support unemployed people to find a job.

Setting up an Enterprise Club

If you are interested in setting up an Enterprise Club or think you could help support one, then you can find practical help and advice in the products below. These should provide you with information that will tell you what you need to know and who you should contact.

• Could you run an Enterprise Club? (306KB)
• Could you run an Enterprise Club? – important legal information (22KB)

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/enterprise-clubs/