Apply for Self-Employment Assistance
If you're not in full-time work, education, or training, you could qualify for free professional mentorship and accredited training to help you bring your own small business to life.
Let's get your business off the ground
There is a lot to consider when starting a small business in Australia. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Self-Employment Assistance helps people explore business ideas, develop business skills, create a business plan, and access support from experienced mentors.
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.
What is Self-Employment Assistance?
Self-Employment Assistance is a free Australian Government program that supports eligible people to explore self-employment, launch a new business, or strengthen an existing micro-business.
Through a combination of workshops, accredited training, business planning support and personalised mentoring, you'll gain practical skills, expert guidance and real-world insights to help turn your business goals into action.
Whether you're testing a new idea or taking the next step in your business journey, Self-Employment Assistance can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you are legally able to work in Australia, can commit to developing and operating your business full-time, and have not participated in Self-Employment Assistance or NEIS within the last 12 months. Age requirements apply, with workshops and training available from age 15 and coaching available from age 18.
If you're an existing small business owner, you may still be eligible for support.
How Self-Employment Assistance can benefit you
Training and resources
Professional small business management training and resources.
Help to turn ideas into plans
Get professional, dedicated help to workshop your business idea and create a business plan.
Business mentoring and advice
Personalised coaching and support from professionals with real-world business experience.
Financial support
Eligible participants receiving income support payments may be able to continue receiving financial assistance while participating in the program and establishing their business.
Support for Existing Micro-Businesses
If you already operate a small business, you may still be eligible for support.
You could be eligible, if your business:
- Is not currently operating on a commercial basis, or is a micro-business at risk of not operating on a commercial basis
- Has an independent business structure
- Is lawful and capable of withstanding public scrutiny
- Has been assessed as commercially viable by APM Employment Services
- Will be established, located, and operated solely within Australia
- Will be structured so that you maintain a controlling interest over the program business for the duration of your Self-Employment Assistance participant agreement
Support is designed to help existing micro-businesses become stronger and more sustainable and may include:
- Business health checks
- Business planning assistance
- Accredited training
- Business advice sessions
- Mentoring and coaching
- Growth planning support
Find Self-Employment Assistance support near you
Self-Employment Assistance is available across Australia and includes both online and face-to-face learning opportunities.
Search for your local APM Self-Employment Assistance team to learn about available workshops, training, mentoring, and information sessions in your area.
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.
Practical small business training
Build 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.
Program details
Explore Self-Employment Through Business Workshops
Our introductory workshops help you explore the realities of running a business before you commit.
You'll gain insights into:
- What self-employment looks like day to day
- The opportunities and responsibilities of business ownership
- How to assess whether your idea has potential
- Key factors that contribute to sustainable business success
- Support and services available through Self-Employment Assistance
Accredited Small Business Training
Eligible participants may have access to nationally recognised training designed to strengthen the core skills needed to establish and grow a small business.
Training may cover areas such as:
Developing your business strategy
- Refining your business concept
- Setting clear objectives and priorities
- Understanding customer needs
- Researching market demand
- Planning for future growth
Managing business finances
- Creating budgets and forecasts
- Understanding cash flow
- Setting profitable prices
- Tracking income and expenses
- Building financial confidence
Reaching the right customers
- Creating a strong business presence
- Identifying effective marketing channels
- Leveraging digital tools and social media
- Attracting new customers
- Building customer loyalty
Running a business
- Establishing effective systems and processes
- Managing daily activities
- Delivering excellent customer experiences
- Understanding compliance obligations
- Improving productivity and time management
Building an entrepreneurial mindset
- Developing resilience and adaptability
- Making informed decisions
- Solving business challenges
- Leading with confidence
- Preparing for long-term success
Training is delivered through accredited qualifications and skill sets tailored to aspiring business owners.
Create a roadmap for success
A strong business plan can help turn your idea into a viable and sustainable business.
As part of Self-Employment Assistance, you'll receive guidance to develop a practical business plan that supports informed decision-making and future growth.
With guidance and support, you can:
- Define your products or services
- Understand your ideal customer
- Research competitors and market trends
- Calculate start-up and operating costs
- Prepare financial projections
- Set achievable business goals
- Develop a clear action plan
A well-developed business plan can provide clarity, direction and confidence as you prepare to launch your business.
Small Business Coaching
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
Eligible participants can access personalised small business mentoring and coaching for up to 12 months from experienced business advisers.
Your mentor can provide support with:
- Business strategy and planning
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Business operations and systems
- Financial decision-making
- Problem solving and overcoming challenges
- Growth and expansion opportunities
- Goal setting and accountability
- Accountability and goal tracking
Ongoing coaching helps you stay focused, navigate obstacles and build a stronger foundation for business success.
How Eliza developed her dream business
As she grew up, along with her experiences as a professional surfer, Eliza and her sister found there were significant discrepancies in the wetsuit sizing available for women. This became the driving force behind her label GRNSTR.
Adele turned passion into profit with the right support.
Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s South West, Adele’s dream business was hitting a rough patch. After hearing about Self-Employment Assistance, Adele came to APM to see if the program could help her make her business profitable.
Kate and Nicolette empower thousands with We Are W/M
With support from Self-Employment Assistance, Kate and Nicolette transformed their vision into We Are W/M, a thriving not-for-profit that has empowered more than 20,000 young people across Western Australia.
Take the next step towards self-employment
Whether you're validating a business idea, preparing to launch, or looking to strengthen your existing business, Self-Employment Assistance provides practical guidance, training and mentoring to help you move forward with confidence.
* Training and assessment is delivered by and under the scope of registration held by Innovative Training & Recruitment Pty Ltd t/a ITR (RTO code 40206). Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business - national course code BSB30220, Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business - national course code BSB40320, Micro Business Skill Set – national course code BSBSS00102, New Business Ventures Skill Set – national course code BSBSS00103, and Small Business Management Skill Set – national course code BSBSS00104