The principle aim of the research study was to establish the extent and robustness of provision provided to support disadvantaged people across the SEEDA Region who wanted to start their own business and whether it was “fit for purpose”.
Provision for the following disadvantaged/underrepresented groups was examined: -
Offenders/Ex-Offenders
People with a Disability within meaning of DDA (including Carers)
Women
Ethnic Minorities
Single parents
Drug and substance abusers
Others with justification for long-term unemployment
The objective was to elicit the following information: -
Whether business support organisations were providing support to these groups
The geographical extent of coverage and therefore areas where provision was not available
What special arrangements had been made if any to ensure provision was accessible to these groups
How the provision was funded and for how long it was able to run
What capacity the provision was able to accommodate
If any specialised training or recruitment policies were adopted by organisations for people working with the groups
Establishing the extent of partner organisations within delivery programs
Whether the provision was specialist and could be seen as additional to mainstream provision
How successful or otherwise was the provision in dealing with disadvantaged groups.
