Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department has taken that benefit micro enterprises in Glasgow South West constituency.

Small businesses are vital to our economy and our small business owners have driven this economic recovery. The Start-Up Loan Scheme has provided 18 loans, with a value of £44,515, to people starting a business in the Glasgow South West constituency.

We are committed to making Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business, and are doing this in a number of ways:

• £10 billion of financing will be unlocked for smaller business over the next 5 years by our British Business Bank;
• Government grants of up to £3,000 for better internet connectivity are available to small businesses;
• Growth Vouchers to help companies find and pay for professional strategic advice;
• GREATbusiness.gov.uk brings together all Government advice, guidance and support in one place and businesses can speak to or webchat with a helpline adviser direct using the Business Support helpline;
• £2,000 cut from the National Insurance bills of small firms through the Employment Allowance; and
• Businesses with up to fifty employees and start-ups are exempted from new regulations.