Some advice needed on the old new deal and starting a business (or not).

FuriousG

Hi, I've been unemployed for 18 months and am now on the old new deal, I live in Bristol and they don't have the flexible new deal yet.

I am about 6 weeks into it and I have two options: starting a small business or being referred to a company who will place me in employment for thirteen weeks, I can't remember the name of it except it definitely starts with an S and it isn't A4E.

I have had a meeting with the local business link people who think the business is viable and I have a follow up meeting this week to discuss budgets and any further ideas I might add to the business, but essentially I am unsure of how I'll survive if I don't make any money.

Although this might sound negative, if the business doesn't work how am I placed to receive JSA after the 13 week period is over, and although the idea of starting a business is more appealing than a 13 week stint in poundland or whatever, am I better off biting the bullet and doing my time and spending a couple of months finessing the business idea for future reference.

As far as employability goes I'm convinced that starting a small business, even if it failed would be better than taking any job I'm given but by the same token I don't want to waste anyone's time.

Any advice would be welcomed, although any trolling on the welfare scrounger tip isn't exactly what I'm looking for so don't waste your time.