Is NEIS for you? Are you Eligible?
NEIS is a competitive programme and eligibility alone does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the programme. Please contact your local NEIS provider who will check whether you meet the personal eligibility criteria, and whether your business idea is suitable. There is no waiting period for you to be eligible to participate in NEIS.
To be eligible your business must:
• be independent, reputable and lawful
• be assessed as commercially viable by a NEIS provider
• not be already operating on a commercial basis
• not compete directly with an existing business unless you demonstrate that there is an unsatisfied demand for your product or service or your product or service will be provided in a new way
• not involve the purchase or take-over of an existing business
• be established, located and operated solely in Australia.
Business structures such as partnerships and companies are permitted under the NEIS programme, but with certain restrictions. You should discuss these requirements with your local NEIS provider.
To participate in NEIS you must be:
• registered on Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) information systems as eligible for the full range of Job Network services and:
o at least 18 years old at the time of signing a NEIS Participant Agreement
o receiving an allowance specified by DEEWR from time to time as NEIS eligible.
OR
• a mature age job seeker not on income support who:
o will be aged 50 years or over at the time of signing a NEIS Participant Agreement
o has the capacity to be financially self-sufficient while undertaking NEIS training and NEIS Assistance
OR
• eligible for NEIS participation as a retrenched employee covered by a specific Australian Government Labour Adjustment Package.
All NEIS participants must:
• be available to train and work full-time in the business
• agree to hold and maintain a controlling interest in the business during the term of the NEIS Participant Agreement
• not have received NEIS Assistance in the previous two years and not have received NEIS Assistance previously for a similar business activity
• not be an undischarged bankrupt
• sign an individual contract with DEEWR, called the NEIS Participant Agreement.
Apply for NEIS
Thank you for choosing to apply for NEIS with New Hunter Business.
New Hunter Business is a consortium of 3 local businesses, all of whom currently work with new and existing small to medium businesses to assist them with practical advice, business training, mentoring and professional referrals. It is our goal to also assist you to establish your business with the aim of achieving financial independence and long-term success.
The Application Process
Complete the application form. This can be done by downloading, printing, filling out and posting an application form to 256 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300
PDF Application Form.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the form.
Please note that training time has increased from 4 weeks to 5 weeks as on 1st Jan 2010. Form has been updated
Click here to download it.
Microsoft Word Application Form.
Click here to download Microsoft Word application from.
Your application will be recorded. Participant eligibility will be checked against Centrelink's computer system and your business eligibility will be assessed.
You will be booked into a NEIS Information Session / or NEIS interview.
Be accepted for NEIS training at the next or most convenient training location.
Further information on NEIS and assistance in completing your application is available from the following Centres within the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle, Port Stephens, Great Lakes & Gloucester
Hunter Business Centre
265 King St, Newcastle
Ph: 4925 7700
Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie Small Business Centre
8 Oakdale Road, Gateshead
Ph: 4942 3133
Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog & Upper Hunter
Hunter Region BEC
Cnr Barton & Merthyr Sts, Kurri Kurri
Ph: 4936 2557
