Start Your Business with Self-Employment Assistance
Have a great idea for a business but don't where to start?
You may be eligible for free online training in small business
management* and mentoring support.
Thinking about starting your own business?
Self-Employment Assistance by APM Employment Services is a free Australian Government program that helps eligible people set up, develop and grow their own small business.
As part of Workforce Australia, Self-Employment Assistance provides more support to more people, more businesses in even more places across Australia.
The program can help you workshop a business idea, create a business plan, provide you with accredited training in small business*, and provide you with business advice and mentoring for the first 12 months.
All of the training is at no cost, and we’ll also provide you with access to training materials.
All you need is a good business idea.
Who can take part in Self-Employment Assistance?
You can participate in Self-Employment Assistance if you are:
- A job seeker and not currently employed or studying. You do not need to be on welfare payments to take part in the program
- At least 18 years of age
- Not prohibited by law from working in Australia
- Not an undischarged bankrupt
- Available to participate in Self-Employment training and work full time in the proposed business
70%
Ongoing Business Success
Business owners operating a successful business 12 months after course completion
How we help get you started
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 delivered via online or face-to-face
- 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.
Program Details
For more than 30 years, APM has helped Australians achieve their employment and business goals. Through Self-Employment Assistance, we provide practical training, personalised support and expert guidance to help aspiring business owners succeed.
Explore Your Business Potential
Discover whether self-employment is right for you through workshops that help you assess business opportunities, challenges and commercial viability.
Accredited Small Business Training
Build practical skills across business planning, financial management, marketing, operations and entrepreneurship through nationally recognised training.
Business Planning Support
Turn your business idea into a practical plan with guidance on market research, financial forecasting, goal setting and growth strategies.
Personalised Coaching and Mentoring
Receive tailored support from experienced business mentors, with eligible participants able to access up to 12 months of coaching and advice.
Support for Existing Micro-Businesses
Already in business? Access mentoring, training, business health checks and growth planning support to strengthen and sustain your business.
Flexible Learning Resources
Access the Self-Employment Business Hub, with online tools, templates, training and business resources available whenever you need them.
Income Support for Eligible Participants
Eligible participants may be able to continue receiving financial assistance while establishing their business, subject to program requirements.
How Self-Employment Assistance works
Getting started with Self-Employment Assistance is simple. From application to business mentoring, we'll guide you through every stage of the journey.
1. Apply
Complete the online application form or speak with our team to apply over the phone.
2. Eligibility Review
We'll assess your eligibility and discuss your business idea and goals.
3. Training & Business Planning
If accepted, you'll complete accredited small business training while working with a Business Mentor to develop your business plan.
4. Business Assessment
Your business plan will be reviewed to ensure your business has a viable pathway to success.
5. Launch Your Business
Put your plan into action with the confidence, skills and support gained through the program.
6. Receive Ongoing Mentoring
Access up to 12 months of free business mentoring and guidance to help you navigate challenges and grow your business.
Ready to get started?
Apply today and take the first step towards building your own business.
What business ideas are eligible?
Your business idea is only limited by your imagination. From cleaning, to coffee, lawn maintenance or a basketball store it is easier than you think to take the first step into beginning your business.
Your business idea will be assessed to make sure it meets the business eligibility criteria. This means your proposed business.
- Cannot already be operating on a commercial basis
- Will have an independent business structure
- Has been assessed as commercially viable by the Self-Employment Assistance provider
- Will be established, located and operated solely within Australia
- Is lawful and capable of withstanding public scrutiny
- Will be structured for you to maintain a controlling interest over the business while participating in the program.
Attend a free online information session
Not ready to apply yet?
Join a free online information session to learn more about Self-Employment Assistance and whether it's the right fit for your business goals.
Our team will walk you through the program, explain the next steps, and answer any questions you may have.
What you'll learn
- How Self-Employment Assistance works
- The support and training available
- Eligibility requirements and suitable business ideas
- How we help get you started
Sessions run each Friday at 12:00pm (AEST).
Register for a free information session and choose a date that suits you.
Success stories
Vicki found the confidence to grow her business
Starting with a passion for caring for animals with special needs, Vicki used Self-Employment Assistance training and mentoring to grow Hand to Paw into an award-winning business supporting pets and their families.
Ready to start your business journey?
Whether you're exploring an idea, planning a career change, or growing your existing small business, Self-Employment Assistance can help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.
Apply online, attend an information session, or contact us to discuss your business idea and eligibility.
Testimonials
Julian provided me with mentoring when I needed it and then stepped back to give me the freedom to control my own business.
The support I got from my business mentor was amazing, he helped me every step of the way, gently pushing me further, giving me confidence and answering my silly questions.