A FORMER social worker with a good business idea is the first woman to benefit from a ground-breaking enterprise initiative.

Ruth Yasmeen, who started the Intercare Employment Agency in Bury 14 months ago, has received £4,700 from the "Women in Business" project designed to support and encourage female entrepreneurs in Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Wigan and Oldham.

A scheme developed by Bolton Business Ventures (BBV), funded by the Government's Small Business Service Phoenix Fund, Business Link North Manchester and Barclays, has established a £700,000 fund which can provide loans of between £1,000 and £20,000.

Bury-born Ruth, whose parents came to England from Kashmir, has worked for councils in Reading and Bury. She identified a "big gap in the market" and set up a business which provides home care for ethnic elders, children and adults with mental health problems, learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

There are now about 20 staff who all speak English as a second language.

Outreach workers are assigned to individuals with regard to their cultural, religious and linguistic background. "I would like to see the company going national in five years time," said 33-year-old Ruth after she was presented with a cheque at the launch ceremony held in the Bolton Business Centre. The loan money will be used to assist with the purchase of a specialised vehicle and the production of a new promotional brochure.

Sylvia Philips, operations executive at BBV, told guests at the launch that Women in Business would also be working with Ruth on future financial and strategic planning.

Sylvia said: "We believe that many women have the dreams, passion and potential to create and grow their own business.

"This initiative will encourage these women to realise their business dreams in a supportive environment within the heart of the community.

The scheme was launched by Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly, who is also economic secretary to the Treasury.

She said: "The Government has made it a priority to break down the barriers that women entrepreneurs face.

"I support the way in which Bolton Business Ventures, Business Link North Manchester and Barclays have harnessed the opportunities created from the Phoenix Fund to provide support to women in this area.

"I believe that the Women in Business project will ensure that the needs of women entrepreneurs are properly addressed, bringing to fruition enterprise that is present, but often hidden."

She was also in support of Ruth Yasmeen's business, saying it clearly met a social need.

"This is just the sort of thing we want to encourage," the minister said.

The launch audience also heard from Harry Birtwistle, head of business banking for Barclays Bank in North Manchester, and from Peter Morton, chief executive of Business Link North Manchester.

They were followed by personal reminiscences from three local women who have built successful businesses, including Jan Barnes of Ramsbottom holiday lettings company Boardmans.

BBV has recruited four new women business advisers to provide support which ranges from personal friendship, shared information, mentoring and opportunites for business contacts.

Other assistance available includes help with premises and childcare facilities.

More information on Women in Business is available from BBV on 01204 391400 or via its website at bbvonline.net.