Yep – you read that right. Finding a job working for someone else is not your only option. Workforce Australia has pathways for those wanting to start their own business.

Workforce Australia Self-Employment Services includes the Self-Employment Assistance program (which replaced the old NEIS program in July) and the Entrepreneurship Facilitator program.

The Self-Employment Assistance program helps individuals turn a business idea or existing small business into a viable business and delivered in 51 Regions across Australia by a network of Self-Employment Assistance providers.

Services are provided through local training establishments and include:

  • Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
  • Business Plan Development
  • Small Business Training courses
  • Business Advice Sessions
  • Business Health Checks
  • Small Business Coaching.

To further assist you, the Entrepreneurship Facilitators promote and encourage self-employment through networking events, workshops and connecting participants to a broad range of small business support services in their local community.

Find a Self-Employment Assistance provider near you to discuss your eligibility and options to ensure your payments won’t be affected. And have a chat with your job coach too as they may be able to add some extra suggestions around training and how to keep yourself steady while exploring the exciting opportunity of becoming a business owner!