The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has indicated that “
employers of all sizes can apply for funding,” however, in reality, only businesses that are listed on
companies house (or charities or public sector organisations) will be able to pass the DWP due diligence checks.
This is because every business listed on an application must pass a ‘fiscal competency’ test, and DWP’s method for establishing fiscal competency includes checking companies house records.
Unfortunately, just being listed on companies house is no guarantee of funding either. The criteria for passing due diligence isn’t transparent and, to complicate matters is also evolving. Get SET Academy has found that the majority of businesses using our service are approved, but you will stand a far better chance of approval if you have been trading for more than a year.
The DWP also recognises that sole traders and partnerships not listed on companies house could also provide fantastic Kickstart opportunities, but may have to use a ‘third party’ to apply for funding i.e. the gateway could be the ‘official’ employer and the business ‘hosts’ the young person.
Our best advice is to
submit your interest to offer Kickstart jobs as early as possible, in case you are unsuccessful in accessing funding and want to apply again. This may sound strange, but because the approval criteria is evolving, there is a chance that your next application will be a success.
If you are a sole trader or partnership and want to get involved – talk to us about your options.