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.
Why is the Government doing this?
Supporting businesses and encouraging economic growth is a priority at all levels of Government.
Currently over 3,000 publicly funded business support schemes exist. Businesses have said they are confused by the number of schemes and discouraged from applying. The Government could 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.
These measures will deliver a better support service to business, as well as making substantial savings for Government through the removing complexity, cost and confusion from the system.
Departments, Agencies, Local Authorities and Regional Development Agencies are all involved in the streamlining process. Read more about their work in What’s happening in your region?
Businesses, their representatives and other organisations are also involved in shaping how the simplified system will look and work.
Where can I find out more?
A public consultation in 2007 helped shape the approach. The Government’s response, ‘Simplifying Business Support’, outlined the Policy Framework under which a new Product Portfolio for business support will be offered.
The Impact Assessment outlines the case for BSSP, considering costs, benefits and why government intervention is needed in business support.
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