Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assistance is available to disabled people who wish to start their own businesses.

We continue to work hard to provide the right support to make life easier for all people setting up and growing a business, including disabled people.

www.gov.uk/business is the home for Government services and information online. One of the tools available is the 'Business Finance and Support Finder;' that can provide a customised source of government backed support and finance for business. The website www.greatbusiness.gov.uk also provides support and advice for anyone trying to grow a business as well as for entrepreneurs starting out.

In addition to on-line support, the Business Support Helpline (0300 456 3565) is available to provide a quick response on queries about starting a business, or a personalised and in-depth advice service for more complex needs. For those looking for start-up finance and advice there are Start-Up Loans: 19 loans worth a total of £53,855have been drawn down in Kilmarncock and Loudoun to date.

Finally, the New Enterprise Allowance helps people claiming certain out of work benefits to start up their own business. As of March 2014, 7,420 disabled people (or a total of 40,420) had started a new business with the help of the NEA.