Grow your micro-business with the
Self-Employment Assistance Program!
The Self-Employment Assistance Program delivered by the Australian School of Employment helps Aussies start and grow their small or micro-business through 12 months of free monthly mentoring, workshops and financial support.
This is a free Australian Government initiative and is funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Our Impact.
185,358
individuals have participated in our face-to-face and online education programs.
$5,907,055.54+
of income, revenue and additional funding has been generated by our alumni.
Our Free Services.
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A. Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
Our interactive workshop helps you: learn about starting a business, create or validate a business idea and decide if self-employment is right for you. During the workshop, you’ll explore the following topics: idea generation, market research, digital marketing, legal and accounting and branding.
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B. Business Plan Development Guidance
We’ll provide you with customised business plan development guidance through 1 x comprehensive 3-hour mentoring session or 2 x shorter 1.5-hour mentoring sessions. Our experienced mentors will help you craft a robust plan, address challenges and offer independent feedback on the viability of your business.
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C. 12 Months of Small Business Coaching
Small Business Coaching offers you a personalised business mentor for 12 months, providing guidance and coaching. You can choose your mentor and meet either face-to-face or virtually. Additionally, upon commencement, we’ll provide you with $300 for start-up costs which may include public liability insurance.
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 the Self-Employment Assistance Program.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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The program supports people in starting, developing, or growing their small business through (free) individual mentoring and group workshops.
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We offer 3 flexible services to both new and existing business owners:
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
12 Months of Coaching
Business Plan Development Coaching
Additionally, we offer regular free masterclasses and networking events to help our participants learn and expand their networks.
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All of our programs are completely free for participants. There are no costs involved in joining or accessing any of our services.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 a staggering $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 a judge on the Australian version of 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.