TEAMWORK has saved a popular scheme which has given a helping hand to hundreds of new Bolton businesses. Headstart, which has operated in Bolton and Bury for about three years, was threatened earlier this year when the Government changed the rules. Money which had previously been available for Headstart was transferred into the national Single Regeneration Budget scheme.

A Bolton bid for a share of the SRB cash was unsuccessful - putting Headstart assistance for new entrepreneurs under threat.

But a partnership of Bolton Council, Bolton Bury training and Enterprise Council and Bolton City Challenge has saved the day.

Their contributions to a £300,000 scheme have been matched by European grants.

The target is for 140 new Bolton businesses to start-up in the current financial year.

Cllr Jack Foster, chairman of Bolton planning and environment committee, said it was a major commitment which was "yet another example of leading organisations in Bolton working together for the benefit of local people and businesses".

The agreement was signed in the Mayor's Parlour at Bolton Town Hall by Cllr Foster and Geoff Critchley, chief executive of BBTEC.

The new scheme consists of free pre-startup business training and counselling leading to the completion of a business plan.

After-care, in the form of training and counselling, is also provided to maximise business survival and growth.

Headstart has been going in Bolton since 1986, when it was known as the Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

Anyone interested in starting in self-employment or starting a new business can contact Bolton Enterprise and Training Services of Bolton 391494 for further information.

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