The number of new businesses started as a result of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise assistance in each of the three years and employment opportunities these businesses created in these years are as follows:Scottish EnterpriseYearNew businessesEmployment Opportunities1996-974,887(no comparable figures available)1997-985,28713,5001998-995,43310,500Projected employment opportunities shown are those which will result up to three years after the initial assistance.Highlands and Islands EnterpriseIn the HIE areas new business can be assisted through the Business Start-Up programme and the Finance for Business programme.