Self-Employment Assistance Program
An all-encompassing program to support people to start their business!
Thinking about starting or growing your own business? The Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program is here to support you every step of the way.
This government-funded program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone ready to take control of their work life.
With practical training and personalised business mentoring, this program helps you build the skills, confidence, and knowledge to succeed in entrepreneurship.
Our team aims to provide you with the practical and fundamental skills that you need to operate a business. We want to provide the pathway for you to succeed in business as well as give you real-world skills to take with you in any future venture.
Upcoming Courses
Micro Business Skill Set
September 2026 | In-Person | Newcastle
Thursday 3rd, 10th & 17th
October 2026 | Online
Tuesday 4th, 11th & 18th
November 2026 | In-Person | Newcastle
Thursday 3rd, 10th & 17th
December 2026 | Online
Tuesday 1st, 8th & 15th
March 2027 | In-Person | Kurri Kurri
Tuesday 2nd, 9th & 16th
Certificate IV Entrepreneurship + New Business
September 2026 | Online
Enrol any time — new intakes open monthly
October 2026 | In-Person | Maitland
Tuesdays from 06 October to 15 December 2026
October 2026 | In-Person | Lake Macquarie
Thursdays from 08 October to 17 December 2026
Who is it for?
The SEA Program is ideal for people who:
Want to start their own business from scratch
Have a business idea and need help making it real
Are running a small or micro-business (with up to 5 employees) and want to grow or stabilise
Need expert business advice and support to build confidence and skills
Whether you’re in the idea stage or early days of trading, this program will help you build a stronger foundation.
How it Works
The most popular part of the program is 12 months of one-on-one Small Business Coaching with an experienced Business Coach. In these monthly sessions, you’ll review your finances, identify what’s working, troubleshoot challenges, and set clear, achievable actions to keep your business moving forward.
To access this coaching, you’ll need an approved Business Plan that includes a 2-year financial forecast. Don’t have one yet? That’s okay, we’ll help you get there. You can join our Micro Business Skill Set training, a 3-day accredited program that gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a professional Business Plan. With classroom learning, practical tasks, and homework, you’ll walk away with a plan that’s tailored to your business idea.
Or take it further with our Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320), an 11-week accredited program designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to launch and grow your own business. Through hands-on classroom learning and real-world tasks, you’ll graduate with a complete business plan and a solid foundation to bring it to life.
Once your plan is approved and your business documents (such as insurance, business registration, and any required qualifications) are in place, you’ll be ready to begin coaching.
The SEA program is funded by Workforce Australia, so while you’ll need to sign an agreement with them, there’s no cost to you.
If you’re serious about turning your business idea into a viable, sustainable venture, the Self-Employment Assistance program is the perfect place to start.
Funded through NSW Smart & Skilled + Workforce Australia, with fee-free or subsidised places available for eligible applicants.
Limited places available, submit your expression of interest to secure your spot and check funding eligibility.
Our Training Team:
Our Mentoring Team:
Every trainer and mentore has real-world experience running businesses, so you’ll learn:
What works
What doesn’t
What to do differently from day one
No fluff. No guesswork. Just real, practical guidance.
What's Included?
Free Business Training
Learn practical skills in marketing, finance, law, and strategy to launch and grow your business.
1:1 Business Mentoring
Get matched with an experienced mentor for tailored guidance throughout the program.
Ongoing Support
Need extra help? Access additional advisory sessions for business plans, marketing, and more.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance Program you must:
- be at least 15 years of age (a person must be 18 years of age to access Small Business Coaching)
- be: an Australian citizen, or the holder of a permanent visa, or a nominated Visa Holder (including a New Zealand Special Category Visa, Temporary Protection Visa Holder and a Safe Haven Visa Holder)
- not be an undischarged bankrupt
- not already be in education