The NEIS training program is delivered on a full time basis over 6-7 Weeks – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

The assistance provided through NEIS includes:

• Small Business Management Training and Planning.
• 9 months of Income Support, upon completing the training and presenting a Business Plan demonstrating a viable business.
• On going business advice and assistance.

This combination of assistance has proven to be successful in the development of small businesses, with over 70% of businesses participating in the NEIS program still surviving 2 years after commencing. It is for this reason that the program is delivered as a complete package and that a tight selection process is undertaken.  As a substantial amount of time and money is contributed to the program by us, and the Commonwealth Government, in assisting participants to develop a viable business idea, it is expected that all participants contribute to the program and establishing a viable business is their number one priority.

The Certificate III in Microbusiness Operations is a nationally recognised business qualification that will cover the following topics and assist in producing a comprehensive business plan. All topics have a practical emphasis on business start up and growth:

• Small Business Management skills.
• Coping with the change to Small Business.
• Marketing/Market Research.
• Business Plan preparation.
• Cash flow forecasting.
• Operations planning.
• Break-even analysis.
• Taxation issues.
• Legal issues.
• Financing and insurance for your business.

For more information on Certificate III in Microbusiness Operations, download enclosed course brochure.

After completing the NEIS training, Each NEIS participant will obtain a nationally recognised business qualification and a business plan.

When the business is assessed as showing viability, NEIS participants can now commence their business with NEIS financial and non financial support.

Last year over 7,000 people throughout Australia grasped the opportunity to commence their own business through the assistance of the New Enterprise Scheme.

80% of businesses that are assisted by GRAMETS under NEIS, are still operating 15 months after they commence (ie 3 months after the cessation of all Government support). In 2008 our NEIS business success rate was 13% above the national average.

Unfortunately not everyone who applies for the scheme is able to participate in NEIS.  It is crucial that when applying for NEIS, even at this early stage, you undertake a number of steps to provide you with the best possible chance of being selected, as limited places exist.

WHAT IS NEIS?

The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a “start up” program that assists unemployed people to become self-employed through a comprehensive package of assistance.  The program is funded by the Commonwealth Government, through the Department of Employment Workplace Relations.

THE NEIS PROGRAM

The package of assistance provided includes:

• Completing a Certificate IV in Small Business Management giving participants with skills to prepare a Business Plan and undertake Management Skills.
• Market research relating to your business.
• Preparing a written Business Plan.
• Ongoing Business Advice and Mentoring to deal with issues of concerns, idea generation and problem solving in relation to their business, through the Box Hill BEC and an appointed Mentor.
• Membership to the Box Hill BEC Business Network at no charge.
• Income Support for the first 12 months of when the business is in operation.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR NEIS?

To be eligible to participate in the NEIS program, applicants must be:

• Registered Unemployed with Centrelink.
• Receiving Centrelink payments (eg Newstart Allowance, Sole Parent Pension, Disability Support Pension, Sickness Allowance and Parenting Allowance.)
• 18 years or over.
• Have a Business Idea that is independent, reputable, potentially viable and one which has not previously operated on a full time basis nor been purchased.

However, undischarged bankrupts are not eligible.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Attend an Information Session. Link to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book in for an information session.
2. Complete an application form. Download application form.
3. If successful in gaining a place to undertake training, you will need to gain permission from your Job Network Member prior to commencing NEIS training.
4. If successful, attend all training.

Please download the application form enclosed and return to

E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mail Box Hill Institute
Business Enterprise Centre
Private Bag 2014
Box Hill 3128

Successful Tips when completing your application form

As government funding is utilised to assist you in establishing your business it is essential that you meet all Government regulations that relate to your business.  To establish whether you require any permits, licences, or need to meet any regulations, you should contact the following:

• Victorian Business Centres phone 13 22 15, or visit them at their offices at 520 Canterbury Rd, Vermont.
• The Economic Development Officer at your local Council

You are required to indicate any permits and licences that are required.  If you intend operating a business from home, ask for a copy of the Home Based Business By-Laws.

Undertake some marketing research and document the results.

Market Research should be undertaken on your potential customers, potential competitors and the Industry as a whole.

POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

You should be seeking information on whether they will purchase your product(s)/service(s), how much they believe they would pay, how they would purchase, how frequently they will purchase, when they will purchase and what they like or dislike about the alternatives or your competitors.

You should also gain information regarding the characteristics of your customers, eg.  Are they of a particular age group, have particular habits, an organisation of a particular size, living in a geographical area, work in particular occupations, have a certain level of income or some other characteristics that can identify them.

Another way to approach this is to look at what is common about a majority of people or businesses that are likely to purchase your product or service.  Such information will start to give you an understanding of your customer profile.  The customer profile is useful to identify the numbers of potential clients in an area, where to find these clients and how you can tailor your products and services to meet their needs.

POTENTIAL COMPETITORS

Initial information regarding who your likely competitors are, can be found by looking in such places as the Yellow Pages, the Internet, local directories, local and metropolitan papers, by asking potential customers who they currently use or would consider using and also asking suppliers.

You should also seek to gain further information regarding individual competitors, such as what is their range of products/services, what prices do they charge, who do they presently supply, how do they charge, their operating times, where are they located and how successful have they been. Some of this information can be obtained from the competitors themself (particularly if you pose as a potential client); other information can be obtained from clients, suppliers, or people who know the competitors.

Keep in mind that someone is a competitor even if they are supplying a different product/service to you but solve the same or similar problem you are solving.  So think if I was not around where would people or businesses go?

OVERALL INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Industry information is available from a number of sources depending on the industry you are part of.  Some good sources of information include:

• Victorian Business Centres – a small business resource centre established by Small Business Victoria.
• Libraries local, TAFE, University and State
• Industry Associations
• Experts in the industry

In gathering this information you should be attempting to determine whether the business would be viable, what you need to do to make it viable and develop what is known as your Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage.  The Competitive Advantage is what your business does or provides that your competitors do not or cannot and will attract clients.

1. You should obtain quotes or firm prices for items/services you need to commence or operate your business.  Such items are likely to include purchases of items/equipment, insurances (contact at least 3 insurance firms and/or brokers for prices) stock, courier services, supplies, fuel and advertising.  These quotes should be obtained direct from suppliers and ensure it covers your requirements. It is suggested that you do not rely solely on adverts for price as many businesses have found although these adverts are correct the product advertised does not meet their full requirements. It is also sensible for you to obtain a number of quotes no matter how much emotion you have to one particular supplier or believe you have obtained the best option.
2. If you believe you will be requiring finance for your business, initial approaches should be made to banks, potential investors or other lenders to determine what their terms and conditions are regarding providing finance and what you need to provide in seeking finance at your desired level.
3. The NEIS program is competitive and if you are unsure about your business or require further time to develop your idea there are some other options available to you:
4. You should attach any further or supporting information to your application.  However please do not present your application in a folder or bound, simply staple your application form and any supporting documents.
5. Return your application form as quickly as possible.  We have NEIS programs commencing regularly and participants are required to present their application form completed.  We suggest that so you don’t miss out on forthcoming programs the form be returned as early as possible.
6. Please note that application forms are only available at the Information Sessions.  You must attend an Information Session to obtain an application form.

Note:  The above are suggestions only, and are by no means compulsory, however, by avoiding them now you could jeopardise your chances of being selected on the program by not being competitive.  These areas must be addressed to produce a Business Plan and you will be required to attend to these areas during the training course and by commencing on them now you will reduce your workload during the course.