About NEIS

About our program

NEIS is a comprehensive program of assistance, providing participants with accredited training in small business, business advice and mentoring, and ongoing income support for up to 52 weeks. Your NEIS provider will help you decide whether you should undertake studies in the Certificate III in Micro Business Operations or the Certificate IV in Small Business Management. This decision will depend on the type of the 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, you will receive NEIS assistance which comprises:

  • a NEIS allowance for up to 52 weeks
  • NEIS rental assistance for up to 26 weeks (if you are eligible)
  • business mentoring and support during your first year of business operation.

Personal eligibility

To participate in NEIS you must be registered with a Job Services Australia provider. You also must:

 

  • be 18 years or age or older
  • not be an undischarged bankrupt
  • not have received NEIS assistance in the previous two years
  • have the technical skills to operate the business
  • maintain a controlling interest of the NEIS business
  • be receiving a qualifying allowance or benefit from Centrelink.

 

Business eligibility

As well as your personal eligibility, your NEIS business must:

 

  • not be currently operating on a commercial basis
  • be independent, capable of withstanding public scrutiny, and lawful
  • not be based on the purchase or take-over of an existing business
  • be assessed as commercially viable by the NEIS provider
  • not compete directly with existing businesses, unless it can be demonstrated that there is an unsatisfied demand for the product or service, or that the product or service is to be provided in a new way
  • be established, located, and operated solely in Australia
  • comply with relevant state and federal legislations.

 

Who is eligible ?

Table of qualifying NEIS allowance

Eligibility to apply for NEIS is determined upon receipt of a qualifying Centrelink payment.

Eligibility chart'

NEIS applicants are evaluated on personal and business criteria and are assessed on a competitive basis.