Our Self-Employment Assistance program offers personalised support to help turn your business idea or existing small business into a success. With business plan development and coaching, our advisors provide the guidance and resources you need. Whether starting out or growing, this program ensures you have the tools to thrive.
Our tailored Self-Employment Assistance Program is designed to help you launch your business idea or grow your existing venture. With a range of free services, including one-on-one Business Advice Sessions and a structured 12-month Small Business Coaching package, our expert Business Advisors offer the support you need to succeed.
This government-funded program helps individuals explore self-employment opportunities through services such as Self-Employment Workshops, Small Business Training, Business Plan Development, Business Advice Sessions, Business Health Checks, and Small Business Coaching. It also provides access to Certificate III and IV courses, business mentoring, and support for struggling businesses.
Since 1 July 2022, this program has replaced the New Business Assistance with NEIS, continuing to provide comprehensive support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
To be Eligible to access the Services, a person must:
Note: Training Alliance Group does not provide grants, loans, or other start-up financial assistance.
To use our services (except for the Exploring Self-Employment Workshops), you need to have a business idea or an existing business that meets the following criteria:
Business Eligibility Criteria:
Evidence Required:
The Provider must keep records (Documentary Evidence) that show your business is not fully commercial yet. This could include:
If your business is at risk of not running commercially, the Provider must keep records that explain why. This might include:
Training Alliance Group delivers the Self-Employment Assistance program in a variety of locations. Our services are available in the Perth North, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Kalgoorlie regions of Western Australia.
Explore our Locations to find one near you.
When did NEIS transition to Self-Employment Assistance?
As of July 1st 2022, NEIS was rebranded to Self-Employment Assistance under Workforce Australia. The program offers the same benefits and expands the range of support we can provide. Learn more about the Self Employment Assistance program here.
By signing up and doing the course, do I automatically get a place in the program?
No. The government makes available funding to support a limited number of placements each year, therefore we must assess the viability of each business plan that is submitted after you receive the appropriate training.
Your acceptance into the program will be determined by the evidence in the plan that will support the question, “All things being equal, would this business, based on the facts presented, be able to be self-supporting at the end of the 9-month Self-Employment Assistance payment support period.
Can I get assistance as an existing business?
Yes, you can! As long as you are not currently Operating Commercially or are at risk of not Operating Commercially within the next 12 months you will be eligible.
Evidence that the business is at risk of not Operating Commercially may include, but is not limited to:
documentation confirming a recent event (such as a natural disaster) or change in the business circumstances that has impacted the operations of the business
confirmation of changes in the business operations, such as the withdrawal of a supplier or the entry of a new competitor
financial information identifying a trend in the business’ performance.
What is a business plan?
A business plan is a valuable living document You should create one when you’re starting a new business and keep updating it as your business grows. It helps you clarify your thinking, set a direction for your business, and gain a deeper understanding of your market. It outlines how you will achieve your business objectives and includes information about your product, marketing strategies, and finances
Will my payments continue if I participate in the program?
If you’re currently registered with a Workforce Australia, ParentsNext or Disability Employment Services (DES) provider and receive support payments, you will continue to receive ongoing income support while participating in the program.
Participants currently on JobSeeker payment will receive the 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 SSP or 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).
Can I apply for the program if I am not receiving a Centrelink payment?
Yes, you can! If you are not enrolled into full-time secondary education you may be eligible to apply.
Even if you’re not receiving income support payments, you can still access training and mentoring support.
However, you won’t be eligible to receive ongoing income support through the Self-Employment Allowance.
If I’m on Parenting or Disability Allowance, do I have to swap over to the NEIS payment if accepted for the Program?
No. Parenting and Disability receivers may choose to stay on their existing benefits; however, these benefits will be income tested against how much you earn in your business.
Business Advice Sessions are free one-hour, one-on-one sessions with one of our expert advisors. Get advice on starting your own small business or running an existing one. You can tailor these sessions to meet your needs, this may involve:
If eligible, you can book up to 2 free sessions every 12 months.
If you’re an existing business owner, business health checks help you assess the current status of your business and find ways to improve its viability. Delivered over 3 hours in a 1-1 session, we will help you:
We will help you:
If you are eligible, you can access one Business Health Check every 12 months.
Over the course of a year, you’ll receive business coaching from your own personal business mentor who will give you the guidance and support to reach your goals.
Small Business Coaching gives you 12 months of personalised mentoring and support to help you start and run your small business.
If you’re eligible, you may be able to access:
Do you have a business idea but are not sure if it’s feasible? Do you want to set your own schedule and have control over your working life? Do you want to be your own boss? Self-Employment could be the answer!
This topic will help you to develop an understanding of the world of small business and the challenges you may face when running a small business.
By delivering the two components of this topic, we will help you to develop at least one viable business idea.
Start-Up Essentials gives you an overview of the steps involved in starting a new business.
The Going Digital topic helps you to appreciate the importance of establishing an effective online presence for a business and identify an appropriate digital footprint for your business idea.
The Branding and Marketing topic will help you to understand the importance of developing a brand, creating value for customers, and using appropriate marketing channels when operating a business.
Upon completion of the workshop, if you would like to pursue Self-Employment and start your own business, we can then assist you with the Self-Employment Assistance Program.
Our accredited training programs provide you with the skills you need to start operating your small business with confidence. We have face-to face and online options available.
The full list of Qualifications we have on scope for Self-Employment Assistance are:
Do you have an idea that can take over the world?
Or a dream to begin your own venture?
Or a business you need to grow further?
Then these courses could be for you.
These nationally recognised courses & skill sets will help you unlock your potential to identify market opportunities and strengthen your knowledge base to make innovation a reality.
Equipping you with practical skills to develop viable business proposals, purchase goods and services, address critical compliance requirements and manage social media marketing.
Our courses range from short skill sets to longer full certificate courses and will help you develops personal skills, critical for your professional success, with the opportunity to access face-to-face, online or hybrid training methods.
You can put these to work in your new venture!
Our business experts help you create a comprehensive business plan to identify strategies for success and forecast your business cash flow for 2 years into the future.
What is a business plan?
A business plan is a valuable living document You should create one when you’re starting a new business and keep updating it as your business grows. It helps you clarify your thinking, set a direction for your business and gain a deeper understanding of your market. It outlines how you will achieve your business objectives and includes information about your product, marketing strategies, and finances.
What do we cover in business plan development:
Why do you need a business plan:
A business plan is a communication tool that you can use to:
Hear directly from our participants as they share their success stories. These testimonials highlight the real impact of our programs, showcasing the positive changes and opportunities that have transformed their lives.
Before the Self Employment Assistance program, my business was doing well, but I couldn’t quite reach the next level. Through the coaching sessions, I learned how to package my services and increase my rates. Now, I offer packages that are much easier to sell, and my rate has increased. Not only am I working 50 billable hours a week, but I’ve also been able to outsource 10 to 20 hours to my daughter. It’s been a game-changer!
I postponed starting my own business for a very long time because I was scared. However, when I joined PNX I realised I could access a lot of support in helping me achieve my dream of running my own business (Cake Paradise by Mary). I am now very happy to finally be achieving my lifelong dream of making beautiful cakes for people.
I started the Self Employment Assistance – Small Business Coaching program in January to grow my web app development business. We kicked off by updating my cashflow forecast and working on my branding and marketing plans. Now, I’m putting together a small team to help me take on bigger projects. The coaching has really helped me figure out how to manage a team, set rates, and keep everything running smoothly. I’m excited about where my business is headed!
I started the Self Employment Assistance program in November to grow my residential cleaning business, Deb’s Household Cleaning. With help, I wrote my business plan and set up a two-year cashflow forecast, which allowed me to join the Small Business Coaching program in January. Since then, I’ve doubled my client base and am now fully booked! While marketing wasn’t a challenge—word of mouth has been great—I needed support with time management, branding, and staying motivated. The coaching has given me the confidence to manage my business and put myself out there more.
Training Alliance Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing and cultural connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them, their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.
