The number of recipients of programmes designed to support the creation of small businesses from early January to late October reached 11, 499, edging up 10.9% in comparison with the same period last year. Employment and Vocational Training ministry statistics released Monday show 2,777 entrepreneurs gained access to services under the business creation and training of entrepreneurs mechanism while a further 2,293 were given support grants. Figures also show 5, 626 projects were studied, up 7.5% on last year. 57% of these projects were presented by women and 40.7% by higher education graduates; 6% were designed for expansion. This includes 28.3% in the sector of services, 12.3% in the food and beverage industry, 8% in the textile and clothing sector, 7% in trade, 6.05% in maintenance and 4.5% in hairsressing. Source: EN - Agence Tunis Afrique Presse