The document summarizes the findings of an evaluation of the UK's Phoenix Fund, which provided funding to encourage enterprise in disadvantaged areas and among underrepresented groups. Key findings include: 1) Targeted, specialist approaches were most effective at reaching groups like migrants and ethnic minorities. 2) While achieving social impacts, specialist models struggled with financial sustainability and had limited connections to mainstream support. 3) Mainstream services did not effectively serve disadvantaged communities. People often needed holistic, intensive support beyond business plans. 4) Self-employment was important for groups facing labor market discrimination. It provided income and a stepping stone to jobs.

1. Ashes to ashes: experience from the UK’s Phoenix fund Peter Ramsden, Lisbon 3 rd November 2008 Peter Ramsden Director of Inclusion