This paper contributes to the debate being conducted in academic and public policy-making circles concerning the promotion of work and self-employment opportunities from people facing social exclusion. Using data gathered from semi-structured interviews conducted in a West Midlands ethnic business support agency, the paper explores the nature and effectiveness of the support that it offers to members of the local Asian business community. The paper's findings point tentatively towards the strengths and weaknesses of the Agency's provision and the main environmental constraints upon its work. Tentative recommendations are also made for the future development of support for Asian businesses in the locality, focusing on the advantages of improved collaboration between locally-based business support providers.