Development And Evaluation Of Integrated Support Provision For Small Business Start-Ups

The Devon and Cornwall TEC as a regional organiser of training programmes for UK industry co-operated with Plymouth Business School to develop a new form of support provision to enhance survival rates for new small business start-ups. The new system involves a 3 phase process of (i) determination of the suitability of the self employment option for a specific individual, (ii) acquiring skills sufficient to prepare a business plan for assessment by a business advisor and (iii) ongoing mentor support during the first trading year. To optimise development of owner/manager competencies, the provision is delivered through an integrated mix of group training sessions and 1:1 counselling. Results are presented of 2 large-scale surveys undertaken once the new system had come on-stream. Data indicate that the new provision is effectively delivering the specified competencies required to successfully start a new small business. Direct measurement of survival rates to validate improvement will require longitudinal tracking studies. Indirect indicators of scheme participation rates, proportion progressing into the second trading year and comments by financial service sector advisors all indicate, however, that the probability of success in the early months of trading has been enhanced.