Government policies towards business formation: An economic appraisal of a training scheme

In recent years there has been a very substantial increase in public support for new and small businesses. The present government sees the small firm sector as a “source of enterprise, innovation and growth” (Department of Industry, 1982b). It aims to “stimulate the development of small businesses and create an economic climate which will promote growth” (loc cit). Over 90 policy measures have been introduced by the present government in support of this objective.