3.2.9.180 Suitable Activity - Self-employment (Including Through NEIS)

Summary

NEIS assists eligible job seekers to start new, viable small businesses.

Eligibility

To be eligible for NEIS, the job seeker must be eligible for full stream services under JSA, and meet all of the criteria below. They must:

• be at least 18 years of age at the time of commencing NEIS assistance,
• be available to participate in NEIS training and work full-time in the proposed NEIS business (for some job seekers, such as principal carer parents, participation in NEIS training is determined based on individual circumstances and may be undertaken on a part-time basis),
• not be an undischarged bankrupt, and
• not have received NEIS assistance in the previous 2 years for a similar business activity.

In addition, the proposed NEIS business must meet the NEIS business eligibility criteria, which are that the proposed NEIS business:

• is not currently operating on a commercial basis,
• will be independent, capable of withstanding public scrutiny and lawful,
• has been assessed as commercially viable by the NEIS provider,
• will not compete directly with existing businesses unless it can be demonstrated that there is an unsatisfied demand for the product or service, or the product or service is to be provided in a new way,
• will be established, located and operated solely within Australia, and
• satisfies any other requirements as set out in guidelines.

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Last reviewed: 1 July 2010