A sudden change on his career path redirected Wayne to start his own business
Just before Christmas 2019, Wayne was made redundant from his long career as a welder and fabricator.
Wayne came to APM initially through the jobactive program, however he struggled to find the right role.
A friend suggested the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) to him, to pursue his new goal of opening his own business.
From 1 July 2022, Self-Employment Assistance replaced the NEIS program.
In January 2020, Wayne applied and was accepted into the NEIS program.
Straight away, he and NEIS Consultant Rebecca began his comprehensive business plan.
By mid-April, Wayne began operating his own gardening and home maintenance business - and he’s had a strong start from the get-go!
Wayne achieved his first month’s forecast by the end of the first week and business has been booming ever since!
His clientele is growing daily thanks to the flyers, grass roots networking, and social media he created with Rebecca’s help.
“We supported Wayne in a multitude of ways, as we do with all our NEIS clients” Rebecca said.
“Primarily we’ll help them construct their business plan, and mentor them through the setup and launch of their business.”
“We’ve provided ongoing mentorship for our clients through the COVID-19 pandemic, including guidance on how to keep trading in challenging circumstances” Rebecca added.
Wayne has experienced huge success for his business, supported by APM. He’s really put in the hard work through any challenging circumstances which have arisen.
Wayne puts his success down to being able to ask for help and take advice from his support network.
And his business ethos is simple:
“I won’t allow any negativity to get in my way” Wayne said.
“I turn negatives into positives.”
Get the best start in business
Access professional mentorship, accredited training through the Self-Employment Assistance program.
As part of Workforce Australia, Self-Employment Assistance provides more support to more people, more businesses in even more places across Australia.
Self-Employment Assistance can help you:
- Workshop a business idea
- Create a business plan and develop your business skills
- Provide you with accredited training in small business*
- Connect you with business coaching from experienced and local experts in a range of industries
- Self-Employment Assistance participant in their plant business
Existing small business owners can also use Self-Employment Assistance to develop their business plan, access accredited training, undertake a business health check and access business advice sessions.
To find out more, visit apm.net.au/sea or contact the SEA team at selfemployment@apm.net.au or on 1300 006 347.