🇦🇺 For people on JobSeeker in Australia
Start your business and keep your payment.
Stay on JobSeeker while you plan and start, then move to Small Business Coaching: 12 months of mentoring, no mutual obligations. We plan the money with you.
- No card needed
- No trial that runs out
- No hidden charges
- $824.90a fortnight on JobSeeker while you build (single)
- 12 monthsSmall Business Coaching, no mutual obligations
- 39 weeksSelf-Employment Allowance, not cut by business income
Schemes
Official schemes in Australia
- Keep an incomeJob search required
JobSeeker Payment while you build your business
Stay on JobSeeker Payment while you plan and start a small business. Your net business profit is set as an annual amount and spread across each fortnight, and your Job Plan still applies.
What is this, and what do I have to do? →- $824.90 a fortnight if you’re single with no children; $883.30 with a dependent child, or at 55+ after 9 months on payment; $755.10 if partnered (from 20 September 2026)
- The first $150 a fortnight is free, then it drops 50c per $1 up to $256 and 60c per $1 above (single, no children)
- Business profit counts after allowed costs, as an annual amount divided over 26 fortnights; tell Centrelink within 14 days of any change
- Your Job Plan continues unless your business passes the sufficient work test (profit ÷ $26.44 minimum wage = hours counted)
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Keep an incomeAges 16–21Job search required
Youth Allowance while you build your business
If you’re 16 to 21, Youth Allowance as a job seeker can support you while you plan and start a business. Business profit is assessed the same way as JobSeeker, and your Job Plan still applies.
What is this, and what do I have to do? →- $482.40 a fortnight at 18+ living at home, $677.20 if you need to live away from home, $418.90 under 18 at home (from 20 September 2026)
- Income over $150 a fortnight cuts it by 50c per $1 up to $250, then 60c per $1 above $250
- Business profit counts after allowed costs, as an annual amount; report changes within 14 days
- If you’re assessed as dependent, your parents’ income can also reduce it
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & supportJob search required
Self-Employment Assistance
A free Workforce Australia program that helps you test a business idea, write your business plan, get accredited training and one-to-one advice. It replaced NEIS in July 2022 and runs through local providers in 51 regions.
What is this, and what do I have to do? →- Free Exploring Self-Employment Workshops (over 1 to 2 weeks), Business Plan Development and accredited Small Business Training such as the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- Up to 2 one-hour Business Advice Sessions and one 3-hour Business Health Check every 12 months
- No job search requirement while you do Small Business Training (up to 8 weeks); other services earn 15 to 25 points
- From age 15; Australian citizen, permanent visa or nominated visa holder; not an undischarged bankrupt
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
See all 14 options
- Keep an incomeJob search until approved
Small Business Coaching and Self-Employment Allowance
Part of Self-Employment Assistance: 12 months of mentoring to launch your business, with no mutual obligation requirements. If you were on income support, the Self-Employment Allowance replaces it for up to 39 weeks and isn’t reduced by what the business earns.
What is this, and what do I have to do? →- Self-Employment Allowance at the single JobSeeker rate ($824.90 a fortnight from 20 September 2026) for up to 39 weeks
- Self-Employment Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks if you were getting Rent Assistance
- $300 towards eligible business costs, such as business insurance
- Age 18+, an approved business plan, and a business on track to earn at least the JobSeeker basic rate and run about 35 hours a week within 12 months
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Lower contributions
Small business income tax offset
As a sole trader, the tax on your business profit is cut by 16%, up to $1,000 a year. The ATO works it out from your tax return; there is no separate application.
- 16% of the tax on your net small business income, up to $1,000 a year (2021–22 onwards)
- Sole traders, and shares of partnership or trust business income; aggregated turnover under $5 million
- No offset if your net business income is a loss
- Shown on your notice of assessment after you lodge
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - LoanCheck first
Many Rivers business coaching and microfinance
A not-for-profit that gives free, long-term business coaching and, where it fits, a small business loan. It mostly works with people on income support or low incomes, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Free one-to-one coaching: registration and insurance, market research, cash flow, bookkeeping, pro bono legal advice
- Business loans at 7% a year, fixed for the loan term
- Loans are assessed on your character, capacity and cash flow
- Works with people on JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit or disability payments; call 1300 626 974
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Small Business Advisory (Service NSW)
Free, independent advice from advisors who have run a small business, for people thinking about starting one in NSW, plus free workshops and events.
- Up to 4 hours of free advice each financial year, in person, online or by phone
- Open if you’re thinking about starting a small business in NSW
- Free workshops, webinars and networking events
- Service NSW Business Bureau: 13 77 88
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Business Victoria adviser sessions and courses
Book a free session with a Business Victoria adviser and take free online courses, including one on starting your small business.
- Free 45-minute session with a business adviser, online or face to face on the Small Business Bus
- Free online course, Starting Your Small Business (4 to 6 hours), ending with an action plan
- Business Victoria: 13 22 15
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Mentoring for Growth
Free sessions with volunteer business mentors for Queensland businesses. Once you’ve started trading, a start-up session covers the fundamentals.
- Free 45-minute start-up session with one mentor, mostly online
- Needs an ABN, Queensland headquarters or significant operations, and a business that has started operating
- Mentors can’t give legal, financial or HR advice
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Small Business Development Corporation business advisory service
Free, confidential advice from the WA Government’s small business agency, including start-ups, by phone or online.
- Free help assessing your idea, choosing a structure, writing your business plan, market research and licences
- Phone or Microsoft Teams only; call 133 140
- Local SBDC Regional advisers across regional WA
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Small Business Support Officers (Office for Small and Family Business)
The South Australian Government’s Office for Small and Family Business helps people start, run and grow a business, with a Small Business Support Officer for your region and referral to free advice.
- A dedicated Small Business Support Officer serves your region
- Call the business Information Line on 8429 3801 for referral to business advisory and support services
- Young South Australians can apply to SAYES, a government-funded 12-month program delivered by Business SA to turn a business concept into a reality
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
New Business Support Service
Free advice for people planning a business in Tasmania or with an ABN under 12 months old.
- Up to 2 hours of free business advice each financial year
- Before you have an ABN, or within 12 months of getting it; 19 or fewer full-time equivalent staff
- Face to face, online or by phone; Business Tasmania 1800 440 026
- After 12 months: up to 5 hours a year through the Tasmanian Business Advice Service
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - Advice & support
Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS)
ACT Government-funded, tailored advice for new and established Canberra businesses.
- Up to 4 hours of free tailored advice
- Covers finances, legal referrals, growth and wellbeing
- Call (02) 6163 8301
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026 - GrantCheck first
Business Growth Program
NT small businesses can get half the cost of professional advice, services and systems from approved providers reimbursed.
- $2,000 to $10,000 a financial year, reimbursing 50% of eligible services
- Services must come from an approved service provider
- Closes each year when the funding runs out; call 1800 193 111
Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
Summaries are simplified. Always check the official source before you apply.
JobSeeker self-employed calculatorSee what you’d keep each fortnight while your business earns.In figures
How long you keep your benefit while you start up
Small Business Coaching and Self-Employment Allowance
Median across 8 countries: 9 months
- 🇮🇪 Ireland24
- 🇫🇷 France18
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom12
- 🇪🇸 Spain9
- 🇦🇺 Australia9
- 🇩🇪 Germany6
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands6
- 🇺🇸 United States6
Your state or territory
JobSeeker is the same everywhere; your state runs free business advice and some programs.
Your plan, step by step
We hold your hand from idea to first customer
Eight stages, in order. Each step says what to do and why, gives you the tool for the job (free first) and keeps your budget and benefit right.
Get set up
Keep your income safe and make time for the business.
Shape your offer
Know what you sell, who it’s for and what it costs.
Fund it
Know what you can spend, and claim the support you’re entitled to.
Get online
A website, your own domain and a proper email. Every business needs them.
Show up on social
Be where your customers already are, without it eating your day.
Find customers
Start conversations and make it easy to say yes.
Get paid properly
Tell the right people, take money safely and keep records.
Grow with others
You don’t have to do this alone.
Tools
The right tools for what you’re building
Websites, design, AI assistants, bookings, shops and bookkeeping, matched to your goal and budget. Free tiers first.
Website
CarrdFree
FramerFree
Squarespace
Design
CanvaFree
FigmaFree
AI assistant
ClaudeFree
ChatGPTFree
Calls & booking links
CalendlyFree
Cal.comFree
Google MeetFree
Online shop
Shopify
Square OnlineFree
Bookkeeping
Google SheetsFree
Xero
Solo by MYOB
Email list
MailerLiteFree
beehiivFree
KitFree
Business bank
Revolut Business
NAB Business Everyday AccountFree- CCommBank Business Transaction AccountFree
Some tool links are affiliate links. If you sign up through one we may earn a fee. It never changes your price or what we recommend.
$0
forever
Always freeFree for you. Always.
No card, no trial that runs out, no premium plan, no hidden charges. Every feature is free for everyone.
- No card needed
- No trial that runs out
- No hidden charges
- Every feature included
How we stay free. When we recommend a tool, some links pay us a small commission if you choose to sign up with them. It never costs you more, and we always show the free option first.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Is it really free?
Yes. No card, no subscription and no hidden charges, now or later. We’re paid small commissions when you choose a tool we recommend, at no extra cost to you.
Are you part of the government?
No. We are an independent service. We link to the official source for every scheme, and your benefit office always has the final say.
Will starting a business affect my benefit?
Usually it has to be reported. We show you when, and we never suggest hiding income or activity.
What happens to my data?
In this early version your plan is stored only in your browser. When accounts launch, we will ask before storing anything.
Your scheme is the start. Let’s build the rest.
Two minutes to a plan you can act on today.
Sign up free: it takes 2 minutes- No card needed
- No trial that runs out
- No hidden charges