For aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners across Australia, launching and sustaining a business can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, the Australian Government’s Self-Employment Assistance program is specifically designed to help individuals explore new business ideas or improve their existing small businesses. This initiative offers a broad range of services including training, mentoring, planning support, and financial assistance, tailored to suit your business stage and personal goals.
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Self-Employment Assistance is part of Workforce Australia and replaces the previous New Business Assistance with NEIS. It aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources to transform your ideas into sustainable business ventures.
How to Take Part in the Program
Self-Employment Assistance is available across 51 regions in Australia. Whether you’re located in a metropolitan city or a regional area, help is never too far away. To get started, you simply need to connect with your local Self-Employment Assistance provider. The provider will assess your eligibility and help you choose the right mix of services based on your needs.
You can find your local provider through the “Find a Provider” tool on the official Workforce Australia website. These professionals are trained to offer guidance, support, and real-world insights to help your business succeed.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Self-Employment Assistance, you must meet several basic eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 15 years old (Note: You must be 18 years or older for Small Business Coaching)
- Not be enrolled in full-time secondary school
- Have the legal right to work in Australia
- Not be on a working holiday visa or an overseas student visa
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
Additional criteria may apply depending on the service you are seeking. For instance, to access Small Business Coaching, your business must be viable and independently structured. It should be a lawful entity that is operated solely in Australia, capable of public scrutiny, and designed so you retain controlling interest.
Services Offered Through Self-Employment Assistance
The strength of Self-Employment Assistance lies in its flexibility and comprehensive support system. Whether you’re at the idea stage or already running a micro-business, there’s a service that can be tailored to your needs.
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
These workshops are short programs conducted over 1 to 2 weeks, designed for individuals considering entrepreneurship. They aim to help you understand:
- What self-employment involves
- How to generate or refine a business idea
- Whether entrepreneurship aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle
This is an excellent starting point for anyone unsure about diving into business ownership.
Business Plan Development
Every successful business begins with a solid plan. With Self-Employment Assistance, you’ll receive one-on-one support to help you craft a comprehensive business plan. The plan will outline your objectives, market analysis, operations, marketing strategies, and financial forecasts.
After developing your business plan, your provider will assess its viability to ensure it stands a strong chance of succeeding in the current market landscape.
Accredited Small Business Training
Education is a cornerstone of success. Self-Employment Assistance gives you access to formal training through accredited qualifications, including:
- Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB30220)
- Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320)
- Micro Business Skill Set (BSBSS00102)
- New Business Ventures Skill Set (BSBSS00103)
- Small Business Management Skill Set (BSBSS00104)
These courses are designed to provide foundational and advanced knowledge in running a small business. Your provider can help you select the course that best aligns with your ambitions.
Business Advice Sessions
These are one-hour, one-on-one consultations with an experienced business advisor. You can access up to two free sessions every 12 months if eligible. These tailored sessions offer:
- Guidance on how to start your business
- Tips to enhance commercial viability
- Insights on marketing, finance, operations, and legal requirements
- Referrals to local networks and services for additional support
These sessions are a valuable opportunity to tap into expert advice without incurring extra costs.
Business Health Checks
If you already own a small business, a Business Health Check can provide a thorough diagnostic of your operations. These 3-hour one-on-one sessions are designed to help you:
- Evaluate your current business performance
- Identify areas for growth and improvement
- Connect with additional support services in your local area
Each eligible participant can access one Business Health Check every 12 months.
Small Business Coaching
Arguably the most comprehensive component of the program, Small Business Coaching offers up to 12 months of ongoing mentorship and guidance. This includes:
- Business development and performance monitoring
- Assistance with marketing, finance, and compliance
- Access to a business mentor who will help you stay on track
In addition to professional support, you may also be eligible for:
- Up to $300 in small business start-up costs (e.g., insurance, business cards, domain registration)
- An allowance for up to 39 weeks
- Rental assistance for up to 26 weeks
This sustained coaching model ensures that you’re not alone during the crucial early months of running your business.
Why Consider Self-Employment Assistance?
The Self-Employment Assistance program is a powerful government initiative that supports aspiring business owners with everything from foundational education to ongoing coaching and even financial backing. It is ideal for anyone who wants to transition from job-seeker to job-creator or those already running a business but looking to enhance their viability.
Rather than going it alone, you gain access to a structured, supportive ecosystem designed to help you succeed. With comprehensive tools, expert advice, and real-world training, this program helps de-risk the process of starting or improving a small business in Australia.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Getting started is simple. To find out more or register your interest:
- Call the National Customer Service Line at 1800 805 260
- Visit the Find a Provider section on the Workforce Australia website
- Connect via the official Facebook page
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to launch or grow your business, this is it. With Self-Employment Assistance, you’ll gain the confidence, knowledge, and support needed to make your business goals a reality. Don’t let opportunity pass you by—get the help you need and take control of your future today.