Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support is provided to people on jobseeker's allowance who are setting up their own businesses.

New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) is the main support provided by DWP to those who are setting up their own business. The scheme has successfully helped set up over 65,000 new businesses.

A participant accepted onto the scheme will receive support from a business mentor to help develop their ideas and through the early stages of trading. If their business plan is approved they may receive a weekly allowance over 26 weeks worth up to £1,274.

Participants may also apply for an unsecured loan through the Start-up loan scheme if they need start-up capital.