Eligibility requirements for Self-Employment Assistance (formerly NEIS):
- be at least 15 years of age (noting that a person must be 18 years or age to access Small Business Coaching)
- not be an undischarged bankrupt
- not be in employment or education of more than 25 hours per week
- be:
an Australian citizen, or
a visa holder with working rights and allows the visa holder to:
– remain in Australia for at least 24 months, or
– access income support payments - Meet any additional eligibility criteria specific to the services which you have chosen
*Participants may operate their businesses part-time for a minimum of 25 hours per week (unless they have a partial capacity to work restriction outlined by Centrelink) if they are engaged in employment, accredited education of up to 25 hours per week or have documented caring responsibilities
Business Eligibility for Self-Employment Assistance (formally NEIS):
- has been assessed as Viable by ABS as the provider with a net income that is at least equal to the Basic Rate of Jobseeker Payment within 1 year
- the participant can commit the required hours into the business to continue its viability
- is either:
a new business, or
a business that is operated by an Eligible Business Owner (contact us for more information) - comply with relevant local, state and territory and Australian Government regulations
- capable of withstanding public scrutiny and lawful
- has an independent business structure
- must be controlled, managed and physically located in Australia
- will be, or is, structured so the Participant has and will maintain a controlling interest over the business throughout the duration of the Participant’s time accessing the Services.
Note: There are no grants, loans or other start-up financial assistance other than the income support mentioned above. There is also no ability to extend the 12-month Small Business Coaching.
