Hundreds of businesses are starting up every week thanks to a government scheme for entrepreneurial jobseekers, according to ministers.
A tattoo parlour, tapas restaurant, dog grooming and party entertainer are among around 4,500 businesses launched with help from the New Enterprise Allowance.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said thousands more budding businessmen and women have started working with a mentor to help them draw up a business plan.
The Government was considering changing rules to give jobseekers access to a mentor after three months on jobseeker's allowance rather than the current six-month wait, Mr Grayling said.
"I'm delighted that hundreds of businesses are setting up every week thanks to our New Enterprise Allowance. Even in tough economic times there are opportunities out there, and we're ready to back those who have an idea that can work and the can-do attitude to make it a success," Mr Grayling said.
"With 4,560 businesses up and running, we're already helping to unleash a new wave of entrepreneurs. I want to make the support available sooner so we can help even more people realise their dreams and become their own boss. Now we'll look at how we can make this happen."
The scheme offers an allowance of £65 a week and access to a loan of as much as £1,000 to help with start-up costs.
