The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)

NEIS Business Open The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a self-employment program funded by the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). NEIS helps eligible people become self supporting and independent of Centrelink by establishing and running their own businesses. To find out more about the NEIS program, please click on one of the headings below.

NEIS enrolment forms, course dates and information session dates can be accessed by clicking on the next step below.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for NEIS, applicants must:

Be receiving a full or part pensions or allowance from Centrelink (eg. Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Sole Parent Pension, Disability Pension, etc.)
Be registered with Centrelink as looking for work and have a valid Job Seeker Identification Number. (If you are receiving a benefit that does not require you to look for work, but you do have a valid Job Seeker Identification Number, call us to confirm your eligibility.)
Be over 18 and not eligible for the Aged Pension.
Have a commercially viable business idea.

NEIS is only available for new businesses. Applicants are not able to enrol in NEIS for the purchase of existing businesses, franchises or sole agencies. Business proposals must be considered both legal and reputable.

Our Success With NEIS

NEIS Success Stories Having delivered the NEIS program across Queensland since 1992, Business Success Group has developed an exceptional training program which supports successful businesses through a mentoring program. Over 80% of BSG participants in the NEIS program are still in operation after two years. The Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has awarded a 4.5 star rating to BSG as a mark of their quality training techniques, excellent mentor support and exceptional track record.

If you would like more information about BSG’s success stories, visit the Success Stories Page.

Free Business Training

NEIS Courses and Small Business Management Training Before establishing your business, BSG will provide you with fully funded training in either a Certificate III in Micro Business Operations or a Certificate IV in Small Business Management. If you have had previous experience in the training fields you may be able to shorten your course time by applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

You will receive help to develop a business plan as part of your training. Before you can commence your business with NEIS assistance, your Business Plan will need to be approved by a panel of local industry experts.

The NEIS training course covers:

Research of business opportunities
Establishing business and legal requirements
Undertaking financial planning
Promoting the business in your chosen market
Undertaking business planning - you will write your personalised plan for your business
Analysing/presenting research information for your business
Coordinating business resources
Reporting on financial activity
Profiling your business's market
Analysing consumer behaviour for specific markets

What Types of Businesses Can Be Approved?

NEIS eligiblity and Application Approval All types of businesses are considered with local markets and conditions considered during the process. Many applicants have turned their hobbies and interests into a commercially viable business. However, the proposed business must not have commenced business operations on a full-time commercial basis or be operating under a franchise agreement.

As part of the approval process applications will be assessed by an experienced review team who consider:

Business Viability
Potential For Growth and Expansion
Experience of Applicants in the Marketplace
Business Opportunity in the Marketplace
Market Size & Niche
Uniqueness of Service

NEIS Allowance

NEIS Allowance - Funding, Payments and Grants Participants who are receiving income support from Centrelink and who complete the course and commence their business will receive income support in fortnightly installments for 12 months (equivalent to Newstart Allowance). This payment will remain the same regardless of the income earned from your business. You may also be eligible for six months rental assistance.

Mentor Support

NEIS Small Business Mentoring and Support Mentor support is an essential component of BSG's NEIS program. Mentors are professionals with proven business acumen and experience in marketing, finance, accounting or other relevant business skills.

As a NEIS participant you will receive assistance and business advice from mentors during the first 15 months of your operation. Your NEIS mentor will meet with you and visit you in your business a number of times during this period.

How Do I Apply?

NEIS Small Business Management Program Please read all the information and fill out the forms from the NEIS Applications page (linked below) and a Business Success Group NEIS consultant will contact you to discuss your application.

Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@bsgroup.com.au or call our toll free hotline on 1300 666 612, and request an application kit via email or post.