Merseyside will lead the charge, with the first club opened by Employment Minister Chris Grayling today in St Helens. A national network of clubs will follow.
Under the New Enterprise Allowance scheme, those unemployed for six months or more will be given financial help and specialist mentoring if they want to start their own business. Merseyside's trailblazer scheme will be rolled out nationally from the autumn, with the aim of supporting up to 40,000 new businesses over the next two years.
Mr Grayling said at the launch 'The Enterprise Clubs and the New Enterprise Allowance are part of our drive to create a much more business-friendly environment in Britain and to support the development of tens of thousands of new businesses to help rebuild our economy and create new jobs.'
'We want to make sure that unemployed people with a good idea get the support they need to move into self-employment, and also that there is easily accessible advice and guidance for all kinds of new small businesses across the country.'
'We want to see experienced businesses roll their sleeves up and give a helping hand to newer entrepreneurs.'
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said 'As we grow the economy, one option must be to encourage unemployed people to become self-employed or start their own business.'
'These new Enterprise Clubs and the New Enterprise Allowance will offer real, practical help and financial assistance to the unemployed.'