Workforce Australia Self-Employment Assistance

Self-Employment Assistance, a dynamic program under Workforce Australia, aims to transform business ideas and existing small businesses into thriving enterprises. Launched in July 2022 to replace the New Business Assistance with the NEIS program, this initiative offers a range of flexible services tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs across Australia.

Supportive Services:

Self-Employment Assistance provides a multifaceted approach to assist aspiring business owners. The program offers the following comprehensive services:

• Exploring Self-Employment Workshops: These workshops provide valuable insights and knowledge for those contemplating entrepreneurship.

Exploring Self-Employment Workshops are informative sessions designed to introduce participants to the world of self-employment. These workshops typically span 1 to 2 weeks and serve the following purposes:

1. Understanding Business Start-Up: Participants gain insights into the fundamental aspects of launching a business.
2. Idea Generation and Validation: The workshops help in generating and validating business ideas, enabling informed decisions about pursuing self-employment.

• Business Plan Development: Entrepreneurs can access guidance in crafting robust business plans essential for success.

Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for the success of any micro-business. Self-Employment Assistance offers dedicated one-on-one support and tools for crafting a robust business plan. Once completed, the plan is assessed for viability, ensuring it aligns with the goals and objectives of the business.

• Free Accredited Small Business Training: Self-Employment Assistance offers accredited training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of small business owners.

Small Business Training equips individuals with the essential skills required to initiate and manage a small business. Participants can choose from a range of accredited qualifications, including:

1. Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB30220)
2. Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320)
3. Micro Business Skill Set (BSBSS00102)
4. New Business Ventures Skill Set (BSBSS00103)
5. Small Business Management Skill Set (BSBSS00104).

The Self-Employment Assistance provider assists participants in selecting the qualification that aligns best with their small business aspirations.

• Business Advice Sessions: Expert advice sessions help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

One-hour, one-on-one Business Advice Sessions are conducted by experienced business advisors. These sessions are tailored to meet individual needs and can encompass various aspects, including:

1. Starting a Business: Guidance on initiating a small business venture.
2. Enhancing Commercial Viability: Strategies for improving the commercial success of an existing business.
3. Comprehensive Advice: Expert input on various small business-related matters.
4. Referrals: Connections to other small business support networks where necessary.

Eligible participants can avail up to 2 free sessions every 12 months, ensuring access to valuable advice and insights.

• Business Health Checks: Regular check-ins ensure businesses remain on track and make necessary adjustments for growth.

Business Health Checks are comprehensive 3-hour, one-on-one sessions facilitated by a Self-Employment Assistance provider. These checks assist in evaluating the current status of a business and identifying areas for improvement. Key benefits include:

1. Business Analysis: In-depth examination of the business’s performance.
2. Opportunity Identification: Recognition of potential areas for enhancement.
3. Local Network Connections: Assistance in connecting with relevant local business support services.

Eligible individuals can access one Business Health Check annually to ensure their business remains on a growth trajectory.

• Small Business Coaching: Eligible participants can benefit from financial support as they establish and operate their businesses, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

Small Business Coaching provides personalized mentoring and support for 12 months, facilitating the initiation and management of small businesses. Eligible participants may access:

1. Financial Support: Up to $300 for small business start-up expenses, including business insurance.
2. Allowance: Support for up to 39 weeks.
3. Rental Assistance: Assistance for up to 26 weeks.

These provisions ease the financial burden and enhance the sustainability of small businesses, contributing to their long-term success.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for Self-Employment Assistance, individuals must meet certain criteria, including:

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 15 years old (18 for Small Business Coaching).
2. Residency Status: Eligibility extends to Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, and nominated Visa Holders.
3. Bankruptcy Status: Applicants should not be undischarged bankrupt.
4. Specific Service Criteria: Additional eligibility criteria may apply, depending on the chosen service(s).

Business Idea/Existing Business Criteria:

For those interested in Small Business Coaching, the following criteria must be met:

1. Business Type: The business can be either a new venture or a micro-business (with up to 4 employees) at risk of not operating commercially.
2. Viability Assessment: The business idea or existing enterprise must be deemed viable by the Self-Employment Assistance provider.
3. Independent Structure: It should have an independent business structure.
4. Legality: The business must operate within the bounds of the law and be capable of withstanding public scrutiny.
5. Local Operations: The business should be established, located, and operated exclusively within Australia.
6. Controlling Interest: The applicant must maintain a controlling interest in the business throughout their participation in the program.

Accessing Self-Employment Assistance:

The program is accessible through a network of Self-Employment Assistance providers operating in 51 regions across Australia. To determine eligibility and explore options, interested individuals can contact their local provider.

Success Story 

Lara, despite her notable success in the hospitality industry, harbored an enduring aspiration to venture into self-employment. She initiated her journey by advertising her cleaning services online and received encouraging feedback. However, she felt the need for an extra dose of confidence to elevate her business to the next level.

Already engaged in providing house cleaning services as a supplementary source of income, Lara decided to expand her customer base and transform her endeavor into a profitable enterprise. As a single parent raising five children, she confronted her fair share of challenges, from the delicate balancing act of work and training to acquainting herself with online business strategies and technology utilization. Her path toward self-employment became significantly smoother with the invaluable assistance of Workforce Australia’s Self-Employment Assistance program, facilitated by Self-Employment Assistance Provider Asuria. Lara was equipped with the essential tools and the boost in self-assurance required to give her business the optimal launchpad.

Lara was offered a flexible array of support services to enhance her existing business. She embarked on this journey by completing the Microbusiness Skillset course, followed by enrolling in Small Business Coaching. Collaborating with Business Mentor Jane, Lara successfully drafted a comprehensive business plan and eagerly embraced 12 months of small business coaching.

“I acquired extensive knowledge about business planning and management, all under Jane’s expert guidance. This has bestowed upon me the confidence and organizational structure vital for the success of my cleaning business,” Lara exclaimed.

Furthermore, Lara seized the opportunity to articulate her long-term business aspirations to Jane, which involved the expansion of her enterprise to a scale where she could hire additional personnel. Together, they meticulously devised strategies for serving her existing clientele and established a plan for exploring trainee options once her current customer base reached its capacity. Jane played a pivotal role in breaking down Lara’s ambitions into pragmatic milestones, encompassing the expansion of her cleaning business, cultivating a positive online presence, and nurturing robust customer relationships.

Gazing into the future, Lara is eager to enhance her digital footprint by launching an Instagram account for her business. Presently, she boasts seven loyal monthly cleaning clients and is steadily progressing towards achieving her financial business objectives.