Assisting you to start your own business
NMIT in partnership with Darebin Enterprise Centre Limited
NEIS is a Commonwealth Government program which assists unemployed people to start their own business and create self-employment opportunities.
To be eligible you must:
- be registered with Centrelink
- be receiving an allowance or other forms of qualifying income support
- have a viable business idea
- be at least 18 years of age
- be available to participate in NEIS training and work full time in the business
- not be undischarged bankrupt
- not have received NEIS assistance in the previous 2 years or received NEIS assistance for a similar business
How do I apply?
Contact NMIT or DECL for an NEIS application Kit (NEIS feasibility study form to be forwarded to you). Or you may download the forms:
You can then attend an interview and/ or information session. Information sessions run at 10 am every Friday until 11 December 2009.
Training is conducted on a regular basis and applications are considered throughout the year. Commencement dates are as follows:
- 01 February
- 15 March
- 27 April
- 07 June
- 19 July
- 30 August
- 11 October
How do we help?
- Relevant small business training
- Professional staff
- Business planning
- Twelve months income support
- Ongoing advice and mentoring
Commonly asked questions:
How long does the training take?
Approximately four days a week for seven weeks.
What is a new business?
The business you propose cannot have been operating before! This means that you cannot purchase an existing business but you may develop what was a hobby into a viable business proposal.
Who owns the business?
You may structure your business as a sole trader, partnership or company. You may also wish to have others in the business with you. As long as the major interest is held by the NEIS participant/s that's fine.
What is income support?
Income support is paid by the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for up to twelve months to successful NEIS applicants who complete their training and whose business plan is approved as being potentially viable. The amount paid is equivalent to the current Newstart Allowance. If you are currently receiving rental assistance you may continue to receive this benefit for up to 6 months if approved.
