Main recommendations

Establishment of "first stop shops" to handle initial enquiries from people interested in setting up their own business.

Establishment of "first stop shops" to handle initial enquiries from people interested in setting up their own business.

Establish local enterprise networks to find "incubator" space for new businesses. These would liaise with the private, public and community sectors to identify suitable locations at reasonable rents.

Provision of childcare facilities for potential entrepreneurs.

Provide pre-enterprise training and mentoring during start-up phase.

Reduce and rationalise number of agencies involved.

Allow people on Live Register to "capitalise" part of their social welfare entitlements to finance business. The State should also provide seed capital where appropriate.

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