Start a business or grow your existing business with the Self-Employment Assistance Program.
The Self-Employment Assistance Program helps Australians start, develop and grow a small or micro-business through 12 months of free mentoring, workshops, accredited training and financial support. It’s a free Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Our Impact.
301,022
people have participated in our face-to-face and online education programs.
$20,412,109.20
of income, revenue and additional funding has been generated by our alumni.
Our Free Services.
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A. Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
Our workshop helps you: learn about starting a business, create or validate a business idea and decide if self-employment is right for you. Workshop activities include: idea generation, market research, digital marketing, legal and accounting and branding.
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B. Business Plan Support
Obtain customised business plan development guidance through 1 x comprehensive 3-hour session or 2 x shorter 1.5-hour sessions. Our experienced mentors will help you craft a robust plan, help address any immediate challenges and offer independent feedback on the viability of your business.
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C. 12 Months of Small Business Coaching
Small Business Coaching offers you 12 months of private mentoring and group coaching, providing tailored guidance and support. Additionally, you'll receive $300 for start-up costs and, if eligible, an allowance for up to 39 weeks and rental assistance for up to 26 weeks.
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D. Business Advice Coaching Sessions
Our Advice Sessions give you access to 2 x one-hour coaching sessions per year with a mentor. We offer focused advice for your business idea or existing venture. In these sessions, you can receive support in areas like: ideation, finances, marketing and sales.
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E. Business Health Checks
During a comprehensive 3-hour individual session, we'll assess your operations, pinpointing areas for improvement while examining efficiency and effectiveness. We'll explore growth, expansion and enhancement possibilities. You can access a Business Health Check each year.
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F. Accredited Training
Small Business Training provides theoretical skills for starting and running a small business. You can choose to participate in a qualification, such as a Certificate of Entrepreneurship and New Business or Skill Set alongside our friends at the Australian Institute of Innovation & Leadership (AIIL).
Program Eligibility.
To be eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance Program, you must:
Be at least 15 years of age
Be allowed to legally work in Australia
Be available to participate in the program and work the required hours in your proposed business
Have not participated in the Self-Employment Assistance Program in the previous year
Not be an overseas visitor on a working holiday or an overseas student studying in Australia
Not be an undischarged bankrupt
Apply for Self-Employment Assistance.
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The program supports people in starting, developing, or growing their small business through (free) individual mentoring and group workshops.
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We offer 6 flexible services to both new and existing business owners:
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
Business Advice Sessions
12 Months of Coaching
Business Plan Development Coaching
Business Health Checks
Accredited Training
Additionally, we offer regular free masterclasses and networking events to help our participants learn and expand their networks.
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All 6 programs are completely free for participants. There are no costs involved in joining or accessing any of our services.
All programs are fully funded by the Australian Government.
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If you meet the eligibility criteria of Jobseeker (or an equivalent), you may be eligible to receive a Self-Employment Allowance for up to 39 weeks, along with Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks. The specific payment amounts are based on your income and assets. Regardless of eligibility for regular payments, the Small Business Coaching program provides $300 for business expenses.
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Absolutely. We offer free support to existing business owners as well. Our experienced mentors and coaches can help you with new ideas, provide specific support or act as accountability partners. Regardless of your eligibility for income support payments, you can access up to $300 for business expenses.
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No, you don't need to be on income support payments to participate in the program. Approximately 50% of our participants are existing business owners seeking mentorship for business growth. Whether you are a job seeker, on income support, or an existing business owner, we are here to support you.
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If you are currently registered with a provider and receiving income support, you can continue to receive it while participating in the Self-Employment Assistance Program. Jobseeker participants may be eligible for a Self-Employment Allowance for up to 39 weeks and Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks. If you are on other income support payments, you can either choose to continue your current payments or opt for the Self-Employment Allowance for up to 39 weeks (paid fortnightly) instead.
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The Self-Employment Assistance Program is the replacement for the NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme) program. Starting from 1 July 2022, Self-Employment Assistance replaced NEIS with a more flexible and inclusive approach, making it accessible to all Australians. The new program has been completely rebuilt to better support individuals in starting, developing or growing their small businesses through individual mentoring and group workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions.
The Australian School of Employment Experience.
We get it – running a small business can be tough. But you know what? You're the lifeblood of Australia. That’s why we provide a range of fully funded, no-cost programs designed to support small business owners just like you.
From in-person workshops to virtual masterclasses, our events are designed to help you build confidence, grow your skills and strengthen your business - whether it's mastering Canva, improving your public speaking, or getting to grips with accounting. We also host fun and engaging community events throughout the year, including End of Financial Year functions and festive celebrations, giving you the opportunity to connect with other local business owners in a supportive and uplifting environment.
Our Ambassador.
Steve Baxter's success story is an inspiring example of how determination and hard work can lead to success in the world of entrepreneurship. From his humble beginnings in the military, Baxter went on to start and successfully exit several small businesses in the communications industry.
In 2001, he co-founded PIPE Networks, which grew into one of Australia's largest broadband networks. The company was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2005 and in 2010, was acquired for $373 million. This exit marked a significant milestone in Baxter's career and cemented his position as one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs.
Baxter's entrepreneurial expertise has also extended to his work as an investor on Channel Ten’s Shark Tank. His ability to identify promising business ideas and provide support and investment has helped many entrepreneurs achieve success. Despite his achievements, Baxter remains humble and committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. His story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.