NES program to help establishment of new businesses

2/12/94

More than 100 unemployed Western Australians graduated today from a Government program to help them become self-employed.

The New Enterprise Scheme (NES) has been instrumental in helping the establishment of some 1,100 new business at the rate, most recently, of 230 a year.  All up, more than 1,600 jobs have been created.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said today the latest participants in the NES had received training on how to start their own business.

Mr Moore presented certificates to the participants at a ceremony to mark the end of their training and commended them for their determination and commitment.

Three quarters of the proposed businesses were in the service industry, ranging from lawnmowing to legal advice.  Nearly 40 per cent of the participants were women.

"This scheme boasts an enviable success rate with about 72 per cent of participants still in business 18 months after commencement," the Minister said.

"The State Government is a firm believer in free enterprise and the opportunities it can provide individuals who wish to determine their own destiny.

"The future of small business is indeed very positive, if the efforts of these 100 budding entrepreneurs are anything to go by."

Participants in the scheme had learnt how to assess the viability of a small business idea and to prepare a business plan.  The plans would be assessed by an expert panel and, if deemed likely to succeed, might be eligible to receive financial support from the Commonwealth.

Successful participants would also be provided with the services of a business mentor.

Mr Moore said the NES, which was operated by the WA Department of Training, had given hope to many long-term unemployed people since its establishment in 1984.

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