Are you ready to start your own business? We can help!
ABS Institute and Self-Employment Assistance can get you started.
Self-Employment Assistance has replaced the New Business Assistance with NEIS.
The new, expanded program will provide more support to more people, more businesses in even more places across Australia.
Self-Employment Assistance is a fully Government funded program available to anyone with a viable business idea. It helps participants to start a business with training, mentoring support for 12 months and income support for 9 months*. We can also offer a flexible range of support options detailed below.
Please note that ABS is only contracted to provide Self-Employment Assistance in Perth North (up as far as Two Rocks) and Perth South (as far down as Waroona) in Western Australia.
The program can help you generate a business idea, develop a business plan, provide you with accredited training in small business management, and keep you on track with business advice and coaching for the first 12 months.
These services are funded by the Department of Employment & Workplace Relations so there is no cost to participate.
Places are limited so apply now!
Am I eligible for Self-Employment Assistance?
You can participate in Self-Employment Assistance if you are:
– At least 18 years of age
– An Australian Citizen or a visa holder that allows you to remain in Australia for at least 24 months or access income support payments
– Not an undischarged bankrupt
– An existing business with 4 or fewer employees at risk of not being viable
– Not be in full-time study
You do not need to be registered with Centrelink to participate in this program.
How Does It Work?
Find out what to expect from the application and training process for Self-Employment Assistance.
1. Complete an application form via our website, if you have any questions please feel free to give us a call and we can walk you through it.
2. Once your application is received, we’ll review your eligibility and the viability of your business idea. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an information / sign-up session.
3. Once you complete the sign-up session you’ll be enrolled and start your training in the location of your choice. The training usually runs over a 4 – 6 week period in the class or online self-paced. During training, you will complete a business plan and financials with assistance from the trainer.
4. Your completed business plan will be assessed for viability and you will commence small business coaching after accepting the Self-Employment Assistance agreement.
5. You’ll receive free business coaching and guidance for the first 12 months of your business operation.
Self-Employment Assistance provides:
– Accredited small business training and resources, all free of cost
– Personalised business mentoring and advice
– Professional, dedicated help to develop your business plan
– Access to income support for eligible participants
Are you registered with Workforce Australia, Parent Pathways or Disability Employment Services?
If you are currently registered with a Workforce Australia, Parent Pathways or Inclusive Employment Australia (formerly DES) provider and in receipt of support payments, you can continue to receive ongoing income support while participating in the program:
– Participants currently on JobSeeker Payments will receive Self-Employment allowance for up to 39 weeks (paid fortnightly) and may be eligible to receive Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks.
– Participants on Parenting Payment Single (PPS) or Disability Support Pension (DSP) payments can choose to continue to receive their current Pension, or choose to receive the Self-Employment allowance for up to 39 weeks (paid fortnightly) instead
Are you not receiving Centrelink payments?
Even if you’re not receiving income support payments, you can still access the same training and mentoring support to help you grow or start your own business.
You can receive free accredited training in small business management and 12 months of business coaching, however, you won’t be eligible to receive ongoing income support through the Self-Employment allowance.
What types of businesses are acceptable?
Is my business idea eligible?
The eligibility criteria have been further expanded so there is a high chance your business idea will be eligible. From bookkeepers to beekeepers and coffee vans to drafting plans, turn your idea or hobby into your very own business. Your business idea will be assessed to make sure it meets the business eligibility criteria. This means your proposed business:
– Will have an independent business structure
– Has been assessed as commercially viable by the Self-Employment Assistance provider
– Will be established, located and operated solely within Australia
– Is lawful and capable of withstanding public scrutiny
– Will be structured for you to maintain a controlling interest in the business while participating in the program.
Success Story
Maria Russo turned her love of art into Maria’s Mosaics, a thriving small business supported by Self-Employment Assistance. By investing in her own tile cutter, she streamlined costs and gained more creative control. Maria values every customer and credits the program for giving her the confidence to grow her craft into a successful business.
