Are you on Centrelink benefits and have a great idea for your own small business?
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) offers job seekers a way to become intendant of Centrelink by establishing and running their own small business enterprises. Business Success Group has been contracted by the Australian Government to deliver the NEIS program.
Overview of the Program
There are two main components to the NEIS program:The training component, andThe mentoring component.
The training component typically takes eight to ten weeks to complete and will provide participants with one of the following qualifications:-Certificate III in Micro-Business Operations, or-Certificate IV in Small Business Management.
In addition to receiving a nationally accredited qualification, during this stage of the program we will help participants to create and develop their own business plan. Throughout the training component, participants will continue to receive their current Centrelink payments.
The mentoring component spans the first twelve months of the businesses’ operations. During this period, Business Success Group will assign a NEIS Mentor to the business, to offer help and guidance on any of the issues that may be encountered. The mentor does not participate directly in the operations of your business, but acts in an advisory capacity, offering knowledge from their years of business experience.
Benefits of NEIS
NEIS participants receive:-Up to $5000 in free business management training as part of the Productivity Places Program.*-12 months of free business monitoring.-12 months of NEIS allowance of $462.80 per fortnight, regardless of business profits.-Applicants may be eligible to receive rental assistance for the first 6 months of operations.
Neither Business Success Group nor the Commonwealth Government are able to provide loans or lump sum payments to participants as part of the NEIS program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for NEIS applicants must be:-Receiving a full or part pension or allowance from Centrelink (eg. Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Sole Parent Pension, Disability Pension, etc.)-Registered with Centrelink as looking for work and have a valid Job Seeker Identification Number. (If applicants are receiving a benefit that does not require them to look for work, but they have a valid Job Seeker ID, call us to confirm their eligibility.)-Over 18 and not eligible for the Aged Pension.
There is no minimum period of eligibility for the NEIS program. Provided applicants have received either one full or part payment from Centrelink, they will be eligible for the NEIS Program.
NEIS is only available for new businesses. Applicants are not able to enrol in NEIS for the purchase of existing businesses, franchises or sole agencies. Business proposals must be considered both legal and reputable.
You can find out more about the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), including how to enrol, on our NEIS Overview Webpage.
You can find out more about Business Success Group on our website at www.bsgroup.com.au