Jobseekers Offered Mentoring, Training To Start Their Own Business

Tailored self-employment support and mentoring through the New Business Assistance program under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is now helping job seekers in the Moreton Bay region to back themselves to start a new business, with new data demonstrating thousands of residents from across the region have benefited from the Commonwealth initiative.

The region has seen a strong increase in the uptake of self-employment services through the program, with 2,984 people undertaking small business training and 2,194 participants who have gone on to start a new small business since 2015.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said the program is an important way to support local job seekers who are looking for new opportunities.

“Small businesses are fundamental for a strong economy and they can be an opportunity for people to secure their future, and that’s why NEIS is so important,”Minister Robert said.

“NEIS is a great way to help those who are out of work to transition into a situation where they not only create gainful employment for themselves but opportunities for fellow Australians.”

New Business Assistance with NEIS provides workshops, small business training and mentoring, giving eligible people the chance to run a successful new business and become financially independent. Participants have access to free training which is delivered over 13 weeks and helps them achieve a nationally-recognised qualification. During the training, participants will develop a Business Plan which must be approved by the NEIS provider.

The program also gives people access to free personalised mentoring which is valuable to those who are in the early stages of starting and running a new business. Importantly, existing micro-business owners who are impacted by COVID-19 can also receive free support to help them refocus their business in the current environment.

Member for Longman, Terry Young, called on all local jobseekers to have a crack at starting their own business with support from a NEIS provider.

“Hundreds of people in our local area have started a small business as a result of this program, and many more people can benefit from this great opportunity,” Mr Young said.

More information is available at www.dese.gov.au/new-business-assistance-neis