New Enterprise Incentive Scheme.

An Australian Government Initiative


Unemployed?

Got a good business idea?

Want to start a business?

Get help from NEIS. Starting a small business has proved to be a successful way for many people to gain employment. NEIS Panel Members can help you put your business idea into practice. NEIS may lead you into self employment.


New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)

NEIS may help you to become self sufficient and independent by establishing your new small business.

The help includes:

  • training in small business management, business skills and business plan development and if approved
  • NEIS Allowance for up to 52 weeks and if eligible
  • NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks
  • business advice and mentor support during the first year of business operation.

NEIS will help you develop a business plan as part of your training. The business plan needs to be approved before you can start your business with NEIS assistance.

The business plan will assist you if you need to approach banks or credit unions for finance. However, NEIS will not provide you with start-up funds in the form of loans or grants.

Can you get NEIS assistance?

To participate in NEIS you must;

  • be in receipt of an allowance that is NEIS eligible
  • be at least 18 years of age at the time of signing a NEIS Participant Agreement
  • be available to participate in training and willing to write a business plan
  • plan to work in the business according to your Job Service / Centrelink participation requirements
  • not be an undischarged bankrupt
  • agree to hold and maintain a controlling interest in the business during the term of the NEIS Participant Agreement
  • have not received NEIS assistance in the previous two years and have not received NEIS Assistance previously for a similar business activity.

Your business must:

  • be independent, reputable and lawful
  • be assessed as commercially viable by a NEIS Panel Member
  • not be operating yet on a full time commercial basis
  • not compete directly with an existing business unless you can demonstrate that there is an unsatisfied demand for your product or service
  • not involve the purchase or take-over of an existing business
  • be established, located and operated solely within Australia.
Want to apply?

Working with NEIS Panel Member 'Enterprise StartUp Service of WA', SBCBW can assist you through the pre NEIS application process and offer mentoring throughout your NEIS support period.

If you would like to apply for NEIS, please download the Application for NEIS form as well as the Business Idea Assessment form; complete and hand in to the Small Business Centre Bunbury-Wellington's office at 177 Spencer Street, Bunbury or email to admin@sbcbw.asn.au to arrange an appointment.

If you have any questions about NEIS, please contact the Small Business Centre Bunbury-Wellington on 9791 2666 or email admin@sbcbw.asn.au.