Business Support Simplification Programme
What is the Business Support Simplification Programme?
The Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) aims to make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs to understand and access government funded grants, subsidies and advice with which to start and grow their businesses.
In March 2008 the Government published Simple Support, Better Business: business support in 2010, which set out the vision for business support in the future.
In October 2008 it announced that a streamlined package of support called ‘Solutions for Business – funded by government’ would be in place by March 2009. This package includes 30 national support products with a common look and feel accessible via Business Link. For more information see Solutions for Business Products.
Why is the Government doing this?
Supporting businesses and encouraging economic growth is a priority at all levels of Government.
It was estimated over 3,000 publicly funded business support schemes existed. Businesses said they were confused by the number of schemes and discouraged from applying. Streamlining will help save them time and money when looking for support. And, better targeted schemes will have more impact for businesses. The Government will also get greater value for money from a leaner system.
So what is happening?
The Budget 2006 announced that the 3,000 schemes would be reduced to 100 or less by 2010, while the Pre-Budget Report 2007 announced that Business Link would become the primary access route for individuals and businesses seeking support. Budget 2008 announced a timeline for the transfer of brokerage services to Business Link. In October, the government announced the resultant 'Solutions for Business -funded by Government' package. See Solutions for Business Products
‘Solutions for Business’ will deliver a better support service to business, increase impact of schemes, and as make savings for government through the removing complexity, cost and confusion from the system.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Local Authorities are partners in the delivery of ‘Solutions for Business'. Read more about their work in What’s happening in your region? and Business Support at the Local Level.