I have to admit that I've used several of my blog entries over the past year to criticise the government. From claiming that many small businesses wouldn't be sad when Tony stepped down as prime minister to lamenting the fact that entrepreneurs and ministers' relationship is on the rocks as a result of the capital gains tax controversy, I've certainly done my fair share of government-bashing in 2007. But this week, I'm happy to say I'm going to praise something they've done.
On Tuesday, junior housing minister unveiled a scheme offering £1.5m in funding to encourage entrepreneurship ideas amongst homeless people. What a great idea.
I should declare that I have personal interest in this issue. I've been a volunteer for the six years at the annual Crisis Open Christmas. Every festive season since 1962, the homeless charity has provided accommodation and companionship for thousands of people. This year I'll be joining around 6,000 other volunteers in serving food, chatting and playing board games with the guests.
I have heard first hand how losing your home can happen to anyone. While many of the residents of Crisis' Christmas shelters are ex-armed forces who have struggled to integrate back into society, several others were also previously successful business people. But one bit of bad luck has spiralled out of control and they've ended up on the streets.
The traditional way of helping the homeless was through soup and blankets. But while welcome it didn't help get people off the streets and into full time employment. Thankfully the attitude has now changed with charities like Crisis focusing on equipping the homeless with skills to get a job or even run their own business.
The government's new Spark programme is one example of the positive change in approach. The Dragons' Den style competition enables hostels and homelessness charities to pitch for financial support, mentoring and a business 'make-over' to grow social enterprises.
Interest in enterprises targeted at benefiting local communities rather than simply making profit is growing and what perfect place to exploit that interest than among organisations helping people looking for a new start.
I predict there are many budding entrepreneurs residing in hostels or lB&Bs around the UK and it's great to see that they can now be helped in a business way. Crisis has been doing similar things for a while. The café based at its headquarters in central London for instance employs ex-homeless people. A great scheme in itself but it's even better to see that the government is officially recognising how enterprise can bring about social change.
On Tuesday, junior housing minister unveiled a scheme offering £1.5m in funding to encourage entrepreneurship ideas amongst homeless people. What a great idea.
I should declare that I have personal interest in this issue. I've been a volunteer for the six years at the annual Crisis Open Christmas. Every festive season since 1962, the homeless charity has provided accommodation and companionship for thousands of people. This year I'll be joining around 6,000 other volunteers in serving food, chatting and playing board games with the guests.
I have heard first hand how losing your home can happen to anyone. While many of the residents of Crisis' Christmas shelters are ex-armed forces who have struggled to integrate back into society, several others were also previously successful business people. But one bit of bad luck has spiralled out of control and they've ended up on the streets.
The traditional way of helping the homeless was through soup and blankets. But while welcome it didn't help get people off the streets and into full time employment. Thankfully the attitude has now changed with charities like Crisis focusing on equipping the homeless with skills to get a job or even run their own business.
The government's new Spark programme is one example of the positive change in approach. The Dragons' Den style competition enables hostels and homelessness charities to pitch for financial support, mentoring and a business 'make-over' to grow social enterprises.
Interest in enterprises targeted at benefiting local communities rather than simply making profit is growing and what perfect place to exploit that interest than among organisations helping people looking for a new start.
I predict there are many budding entrepreneurs residing in hostels or lB&Bs around the UK and it's great to see that they can now be helped in a business way. Crisis has been doing similar things for a while. The café based at its headquarters in central London for instance employs ex-homeless people. A great scheme in itself but it's even better to see that the government is officially recognising how enterprise can bring about social change.
