Self-Employment Assistance
If you've ever dreamed of working for yourself, starting a small business, or turning a passion into an income, Self-Employment Assistance can help.
Thinking about starting a business?
Starting a business can be exciting, but knowing where to begin isn't always easy.
Self-Employment Assistance helps people explore business ideas, develop business skills, create a business plan, and access support from experienced mentors.
The program is designed to help you make informed decisions and build a stronger foundation for long-term business success.
What is Self-Employment Assistance?
Self-Employment Assistance is a free Australian Government program that helps eligible people start, run, or grow their own small business.
The program provides practical support through workshops, accredited training, business coaching, and mentoring.
You'll receive guidance from experienced business professionals who can help you turn your ideas into a viable business.
Whether you're developing a new idea or improving an existing micro-business, Self-Employment Assistance can help you build the skills and knowledge you need.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Are legally able to work in Australia
- Meet Australian Government program requirements
- Are ready to participate in training and business development activities
Different eligibility criteria apply for workshops, training, and business coaching.
How APM can support you
With Self-Employment Assistance, you may be able to:
- Explore and test a business idea
- Develop a business plan
- Access accredited small business training
- Build practical business skills
- Work with experienced business mentors
- Receive personalised coaching and advice
- Improve and grow an existing micro-business
- Access business resources and tools
- Connect with local business experts
Eligible participants can also receive up to 12 months of business mentoring and coaching support.
Find support near you
Self-Employment Assistance is available across Australia and includes both online and face-to-face learning opportunities.
Speak with your local APM team to learn about available workshops, training, mentoring, and information sessions in your area.
Program details
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
If you're not sure whether self-employment is right for you, these workshops can help.
You'll learn:
- What is involved in running a business
- The benefits and challenges of self-employment
- How to evaluate a business idea
- What makes a business commercially viable
- The support available through Self-Employment Assistance
These workshops can help you decide whether starting a business is the right pathway for you.
Accredited Small Business Training
Participants may be eligible to access nationally recognised small business and entrepreneurship training.
Training is designed to help you build practical knowledge and confidence before launching your business.
Training topics may include:
Business planning
Learn how to:
- Develop a business plan
- Set realistic goals
- Understand your target market
- Identify opportunities and risks
- Plan for business growth
Financial management
Build knowledge and confidence in:
- Budgeting
- Cash flow management
- Pricing products and services
- Record keeping
- Understanding business expenses
Marketing and customer growth
Learn strategies for:
- Promoting your business
- Building a brand
- Using websites and social media
- Finding and retaining customers
- Growing your customer base
Business operations
Develop skills in:
- Running day-to-day operations
- Managing business systems
- Customer service
- Business compliance
- Time management and productivity
Entrepreneurship skills
Build skills in:
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Innovation
- Business leadership
- Business growth planning
Training and assessment are delivered through accredited small business qualifications and skill sets.
Business Plan Development
Every successful business starts with a clear plan.
The program can help you:
- Clarify your business idea
- Identify your target customers
- Research your market
- Understand startup costs
- Forecast income and expenses
- Create practical business goals
- Develop a roadmap for growth
Your business plan helps you make informed decisions and provides a clear pathway for success.
Small Business Coaching
Eligible participants can receive personalised mentoring and coaching support from experienced business professionals for up to 12 months.
Your mentor can help with:
- Business planning
- Marketing strategies
- Business operations
- Problem solving
- Financial management
- Growth opportunities
- Goal setting and accountability
This ongoing support can help you navigate challenges and build confidence as your business grows.
Getting started
Getting started is easy.
Join a free information session, submit an application, or speak with the APM Self-Employment Assistance team about your business idea and eligibility.
We'll help you understand your options and identify the support that's right for you.
Why choose APM Employment Services
For more than 30 years, APM has helped Australians achieve their employment and business goals.
Through Self-Employment Assistance, we combine practical training, personalised support, and professional mentoring to help participants build sustainable businesses.
Experienced business mentors
Learn from professionals with real-world business experience.
Small business training
Build practical skills in business planning, operations, marketing, and business management.
Personalised support
Receive tailored guidance based on your business goals and circumstances, with up to 12 months mentoring and coaching to help your business succeed.
Eliza turned her passion into a successful business
After identifying a gap in the market, Eliza used Self-Employment Assistance support to help develop and grow her business idea into a thriving enterprise.
Your path to business success
When you start with APM
We'll work with you to understand your business idea, goals, and experience.
Together, we'll explore the support options available and identify the activities that can help you move forward, including:
- Business idea development
- Business planning
- Training opportunities
- Mentoring and coaching
- Business viability assessment
- Goal setting
As your business develops
You'll have access to practical support and resources to help your business grow.
Depending on your needs and eligibility, support may include:
- Accredited training
- One-on-one coaching
- Business planning support
- Mentor guidance
- Online business resources
- Business growth strategies
Our goal is to give you the confidence, skills, and support needed to build a successful and sustainable business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your business journey?
Whether you're exploring an idea, planning a career change, or growing an existing business, Self-Employment Assistance can help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.
Program details
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
If you're not sure whether self-employment is right for you, these workshops can help.
You'll learn:
- What is involved in running a business
- The benefits and challenges of self-employment
- How to evaluate a business idea
- What makes a business commercially viable
- The support available through Self-Employment Assistance
These workshops can help you decide whether starting a business is the right pathway for you.
Accredited Small Business Training
Participants may be eligible to access nationally recognised small business and entrepreneurship training.
Training is designed to help you build practical knowledge and confidence before launching your business.
Training topics may include:
Business planning
Learn how to:
- Develop a business plan
- Set realistic goals
- Understand your target market
- Identify opportunities and risks
- Plan for business growth
Financial management
Build knowledge and confidence in:
- Budgeting
- Cash flow management
- Pricing products and services
- Record keeping
- Understanding business expenses
Marketing and customer growth
Learn strategies for:
- Promoting your business
- Building a brand
- Using websites and social media
- Finding and retaining customers
- Growing your customer base
Business operations
Develop skills in:
- Running day-to-day operations
- Managing business systems
- Customer service
- Business compliance
- Time management and productivity
Entrepreneurship skills
Build skills in:
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Innovation
- Business leadership
- Business growth planning
Training and assessment are delivered through accredited small business qualifications and skill sets.
Business Plan Development
Every successful business starts with a clear plan.
The program can help you:
- Clarify your business idea
- Identify your target customers
- Research your market
- Understand startup costs
- Forecast income and expenses
- Create practical business goals
- Develop a roadmap for growth
Your business plan helps you make informed decisions and provides a clear pathway for success.
Small Business Coaching
Eligible participants can receive personalised mentoring and coaching support from experienced business professionals for up to 12 months.
Your mentor can help with:
- Business planning
- Marketing strategies
- Business operations
- Problem solving
- Financial management
- Growth opportunities
- Goal setting and accountability
This ongoing support can help you navigate challenges and build confidence as your business grows.