Start your own business or grow your existing business with the Self-Employment Assistance Program.

The Self-Employment Assistance Program delivered by the Australian School of Employment helps people start, develop and grow a small or micro-business through 12 months of free mentoring, workshops, accredited training and financial support.

The Self-Employment Assistance Program is a free Australian Government initiative and is funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

The ASE Group Impact.

 

258,242

individuals have participated in our face-to-face and online education programs.

$13,132,359.21

of income, revenue and additional funding has been generated by our alumni.

 

Our Free Services.

  • People in a meeting room, one person standing and laughing, others sitting around a table with papers and laptops.

    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.

  • Sticky notes on a problem-solving board in a business setting.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Two people sitting at a small office table with laptops and a pink water bottle, having a conversation by the window.

    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.

  • 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).

Apply for the Program

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.

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • The program supports people in starting, developing, or growing their small business through (free) individual mentoring and group workshops.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

A group of people seated in a small conference room, participating in a Q&A session. Two individuals are leading the discussion at the front near a screen displaying 'Welcome to The Steve Baxter Q+A'. The setting includes comfortable chairs and a large screen, with attendees attentively listening.

Steve Baxter Investment Masterclass

We host regular small and large group workshops with Steve Baxter from Shark Tank Australia. During these events, participants have the opportunity to share their business ideas, receive feedback and gain insights from Steve himself.

Group of people at a rooftop event with city skyline background and sunlight."}

Our End of Financial Year Celebration Cruise

Just like big businesses celebrate the End of the Financial Year with their teams, we hosted an End of Financial Year Celebration on a boat along the Brisbane River to honour our incredible small and micro-business owners. We filled the boat with investors, mentors and our participants.

Group of people posing for a photo in an office setting.

Accounting Masterclass with Inspire CA

While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, accounting is something that every single person must understand so we host regular masterclasses and events. No more dull lectures; just financial enlightenment sprinkled with humour and excitement.

Two women smiling and holding award certificates at an event.

Our End of Year Celebration Under the Mistletoe

A group of people posing together in an office setting. They are smiling, with some giving thumbs up. A mix of men and women are present, with diverse attire including casual and semi-formal clothing. A whiteboard and a presentation screen are visible in the background.

Community Trivia and Wine Evening

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Headshot & Networking Morning Tea

I have wonderful, inspiring and supportive mentors who couldn’t be more helpful and interested in my new business. They are available to help me at any time – all I have to do is ask and nothing is a problem. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and that is helping me enormously with the planning and set up of my business - so much so that launch day is coming quicker than I expected!

ALISON T

Our Alumni.

  • Man with a beard wearing a blue shirt in a room with shelves.

    Meet Sebastian

    Sebastian is a conceptual artist who has earned recognition and respect right across the community. His one-of-a-kind public art pieces have been enjoyed by millions and have appeared at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane International Airport and New York Art Book Fair.

  • Three women pose for a photo in front of a pink wall with a "Rosé Soirée" neon sign. A fourth person is taking their picture with a smartphone. The women are holding drinks and are dressed in casual attire.

    Meet Katie

    Katie is the Founder and CEO of Rose Soiree. Rose Soiree is Brisbane's premier paint and sip studio located in the heart of Bulimba offering fun, exciting and interactive wine and paint classes and splatter rooms. Rose Soiree now offers private bookings for corporate events and parties right around Greater Brisbane.

  • Man with a beard standing next to a food or drink cart with dispensers and bottles, outdoor setting with trees and leaf-covered ground.

    Meet Rainton

    Rainton is the Founder and Manager of 4one01 Cold Brew Coffee + Slim Pickings Pop-Up Coffee Shop. Slim Pickings is a new pop-up coffee trike based along a cool South Brisbane laneway, serving 'the best hot and cold brew' coffee. You can meet Rainton and check out his coffee at 23 Manning Street, South Brisbane.

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.