Evaluation of the AMS business start-up program (UGP)

Via the business start-up program (UGP) the Public Employment Service provides support for unemployed people who want to start a business and helps them on their way from unemployment to self-employment. From 1999 to 2004, the number of yearly participants in the UGP doubled from 2000 to 4000, and the expansion momentum continues.

This study is an evaluation of labor market policies of UGP, and based on data anaysis and a telephone survey the focus is set on four areas:
1. Sociodemographic structure of the participants (gender, education, migration, age) and the degree of involvement of these groups in the UGP
2. Evaluation of the offer by the participants
3. Sustainability of the promotion, ie. birth rate and long-term viability of the companies
4. Identification of potential improvements to the program