New Enterprise Incentive Scheme

NEIS

NEIS is a Federal Government initiative, which provides a comprehensive package of assistance to eligible Centrelink assisted clients to help them start their own business. Assistance includes small business management training and business plan development, NEIS allowance for up to 52 weeks, business mentoring and ongoing support during the first year of business operation.

The Hunter Business Centre has joined with two other organisations to form the consortium New Hunter Business to provide the NEIS program throughout the Hunter Valley and Great Lakes areas. It is our goal to assist you to establish your business with the aim of achieving financial independence and long-term success.

Eligible candidates could be on Newstart Allowance, some disability pensions, parenting pensions and some carers pensions.

Participants are required to be referred by a job network provider and their business application is assessed for viability and eligibility.

The training, which is Centrelink approved and is a Certificate III in Micro Business Management or Certificate IV in Small Business Management, is over a period of 5 weeks. During this time, participants create a business plan of their own business.

Once approved at the completion of training, the participants then sign a 12 month contract for support of their fledgling business.

All approved candidates receive monthly mentoring through a Business Enterprise Centre and also receive financial assistance.

To find out more information, eligibility criteria and how the course works go to New Hunter Business.