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New Enterprise Incentive Scheme

The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a Federal Government initiative that assists people who are registered with Centrelink and who have a promising business idea, to start their own new business.

What is NEIS?

Many people who are registered with Centrelink may have a new business idea and feel that they have the drive, inspiration and commitment to start up their own business. We provide you with the support to help you achieve this goal. Support we provide includes:
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Assessment of the business idea;
Business management training;
Income support – up to $474.90 per fortnight;
Quarterly networking functions
Business mentoring

Please note that all invitations to participate in NEIS are based on a competitive entry system. Only the best and strongest applications will get into the program.

Who is eligible for NEIS?

To be eligible for NEIS you must be registered with Centrelink and receiving a benefit. Most people enter NEIS from the Newstart Allowance, but many other Centrelink pension types are also eligible. You must be over 18 years of age. Undischarged bankrupts are not eligible to apply.

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What sort of businesses are eligible?

The business must be NEW – it cannot be a takeover.
It must be YOURS – but you can have other partners.
It must be LEGAL – and be within Council regulations.
It must be FAIR – and not disadvantage a competitor.
It must be VIABLE – to be able to support you and your family.
It must be INSURED – Public Liability Insurance is mandatory.

How do I get referred to NEIS?

Your first step may be to discuss self employment as a career option with your Job Services Australia Provider (JSA). They will then refer you to us as your NEIS Panel Member for an initial assessment of your business idea.

How do you get accepted into NEIS?

Your NEIS Coordinator at the Bundaberg Enterprise Centre (‘BEC’) can give you the full information on the NEIS program, make an initial assessment of your business idea, and, if they feel that your idea has merit, give you a Venture Summary business proposal form to complete. They will also ask you to obtain a NEIS Referral from your JSA.
Invitations to the NEIS program are based on the information in your Venture Summary and BEC’s recommendations to the NEIS Selection Panel. Should your application be successful, they will then arrange for you to be enrolled in NEIS Training, which is a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.
One of the goals of your business idea is that you should be self-sufficient within your first year of operation. Only the most promising Venture Summary applications are selected for invitation onto the NEIS training program.
Note: All individuals accepted onto the NEIS program must have transport, be contactable by phone and have a computer with Internet connection and an email account.

NEIS Training and the NEIS Program

When you are invited to commence NEIS Training, you will be issued with the study manual and a computer CD ROM, and you will be able to complete the training on a self-paced basis. You will need to have a computer, an internet connection at home, and a phone to be able to undertake the training.
You will then attend to the setting-up of your business during the day, with study at night in your own home, at your own pace. Your NEIS Coordinator, has extensive experience in small business, consulting and training, and will act as your mentor throughout this time.
As part of the Certificate IV in Small Business Management course, you will be required to prepare a Business Plan (including financial projections) for your intended business. You will communicate and meet with your NEIS mentor on a regular basis, until the business plan is completed, which is usually around 8 weeks from commencement of the course.
Your complete Business Plan is necessary before you can be offered the 12 month NEIS Program contract. All NEIS businesses must have Public Liability insurance cover in place from when they start their business.
Your NEIS contract will require that you work full-time in your new business. A 100% commitment to your business will help guarantee your success.

Is any funding provided?

NEIS does not provide you with any capital funds to establish or operate the business. The only money provided is the NEIS allowance.

NEIS is brought to you with the support of our partners:

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