NEIS (EMCS)

Eligible job seekers who are interested in starting and running a small business can access assistance through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), an initiative of the Australian Government’s Job Services Australia.

NEIS provides accredited small business training, business advice and mentoring for eligible job seekers, as well as ongoing income support for up to 52 weeks.

Your NEIS provider will help you decide whether you should undertake a Certificate III in Micro-Business Operations or a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.  This will depend on the type of small business you are planning.  During the training you will also develop a business plan which will need to be approved by your NEIS provider.

If your business plan is approved by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), you will receive NEIS Assistance which is:

• NEIS Allowance for up to 52 weeks
• NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks (if eligible)
• Business mentoring and support during your first year of business operation.

Note: Recipients of Disability Support Pension, Carers Payment, Parenting Payment (Single) and some Department of Veterans’ Affairs pensions can choose to remain on these payments while participating in NEIS.