The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) – a 12 week scheme designed to assist unemployed people claiming benefits who wish to start their own business.

The NEA scheme is accessed through Jobcentre Plus who will be able to tell you about the eligibility conditions. They will arrange for you to attend the Link-up Start-up workshop.

Link-up Start-Up Workshop

The Link Up Start Up workshop gives you an understanding of the expectations of the NEA programme. It also covers some pros and cons of being self employed. After the workshop there are some actions to complete at home.

1-2-1 Meeting 

Once you have decided self employment is for you and you’ve completed the Link-Up Start-Up workshop your Job Centre work coach will be able to book you a NEA 1-2-1 meeting. This will re-cap the programme timelines and the support you’ll receive whilst on the scheme.

Mentoring Phase

If you’re accepted onto the scheme you’ll enter the 8 week mentoring phase. A mentor will work with you to help you complete a business plan, personal survival budget and one year cash flow forecast, ready to be submitted for business plan approval meeting in week 8.

Business Plan Approval

Once your business plan approval meeting has taken place and your plan has been assessed by one of our Business Advisors, you’ll be able to agree with your Job Centre work coach a trading start date.

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