Self-Employment Assistance Program

• Exploring Self-Employment Workshops: These workshops help participants understand the fundamentals of self-employment and assess the viability of their business ideas.
• Business Plan Development: One-on-one support is available to assist in creating a comprehensive business plan, a crucial step in establishing a successful business.
• Accredited Small Business Training: Participants can access training to gain essential skills for starting and managing a small business.
• Business Advice Sessions: These sessions offer personalised guidance on running a business.
• Business Health Checks: A thorough assessment of an existing business to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing viability.
• Small Business Coaching: Up to 12 months of mentoring and support to help navigate the challenges of starting and operating a small business.

Eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 15 years of age (a person must be 18 years of age to access Small Business Coaching)
• Be:
  • an Australian citizen, or
  • the holder of a permanent visa or a nominated Visa Holder (including a New Zealand Special Category Visa, Temporary Protection Visa Holder and a Safe Haven Visa Holder)
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Meet any additional eligibility criteria specific to the Service(s) that they have chosen, including any criteria in the Chapter for the relevant Service.

Some services available through Self-Employment Assistance will also have additional eligibility criteria. For example, to access Small Business Coaching, you must have an eligible business idea or existing business. This means your business idea or existing business must:

• be either a new business or a micro-business (up to 4 employees) at risk of not operating commercially
• be assessed as viable by your Self-Employment Assistance provider
• have an independent business structure
• be lawful and capable of withstanding public scrutiny
• be established, located, and operated solely within Australia
• be structured so you will maintain a controlling interest over the business through your time accessing the Services.

For more information visit: https://www.dewr.gov.au/self-employment-assistance

Unlocking the Financial Benefits of the Self-Employment Assistance Program

Starting your own business can be an exciting yet daunting journey. To make this path smoother, the Australian Government, through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), offers the Self-Employment Assistance program. This initiative provides a range of services and financial benefits to support aspiring entrepreneurs as they take their first steps into self-employment.

Here’s a closer look at the financial benefits available under this program, designed to alleviate the initial financial pressures of launching a small business.

1. Self-Employment Allowance
   ‍Starting a business often comes with a period of uncertainty, especially regarding personal living expenses. To help participants focus on building their venture without the stress of financial insecurity, eligible individuals can receive a fortnightly allowance for up to 39 weeks. This support serves as a safety net, allowing entrepreneurs to dedicate their time and resources to setting up their businesses.
   ‍Source: DEWR’s Self-Employment Assistance Program‍
2. Reimbursement for Business Costs
   Starting a business often requires upfront investment, from purchasing insurance to setting up basic operational tools. To ease this financial burden, the program provides up to $300 in reimbursement for eligible participants. These funds can cover essential costs like business insurance, helping participants establish their operations with less financial strain.
3. ‍Rental Assistance
   The financial challenges of starting a business can extend beyond the direct costs of the venture itself. For individuals who qualify, the program offers rental assistance for up to 26 weeks. This support ensures that entrepreneurs can maintain their accommodation while dedicating resources to their fledgling businesses.
   Source: DEWR’s Self-Employment Services

Additional Services

In addition to financial support, the Self-Employment Assistance program provides workshops, business planning assistance, coaching, and health checks. These services are designed to ensure that participants have the tools, guidance, and confidence needed to succeed in their self-employment journey.

Is the Program Right for You?

To access these benefits, participants must meet eligibility criteria, including being at least 15 years old (18 for some services), holding Australian citizenship or an appropriate visa, and not being an undischarged bankrupt. If you meet these requirements, you can contact a Self-Employment Assistance provider to discuss your options.

Starting a business is a bold and rewarding move, but it’s essential to have the right support in place. With the Self-Employment Assistance program, you can access financial assistance and tailored services to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a sustainable reality.

To participate, individuals can contact a local Self-Employment Assistance provider to discuss their eligibility and options.

Employment & Workplace Relations

By tapping into these benefits, you can focus on what matters most—building a successful business that reflects your passion and vision.

For more than 35 years, the Australian Government has supported more than 250,000 people in starting small businesses through Self-Employment Assistance, formerly known as NEIS.

The National Self-Employment Association Ltd. (NS-EA) was formed in February 1995, originally as the National NEIS Association, to represent the organisations providing Self-Employment Assistance, on behalf of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

NS-EA assists members in maintaining the quality of the program through professional development activities and acts as a conduit between providers and government decision-makers. 

Thriday has partnered with the National Self-employment Association to help new businesses start, grow and succeed through better cash flow management.

For more information on partnership benefits, visit https://self-employmentassistance.com.au/thriday/

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