Spend five days with experienced small business advisors, learning how to test an idea, find customers, handle the money side and run a business day to day. No business idea needed.
Not the right time? Register your interestMonday 14 to Friday 18 December, in person in Cremorne. Applications close Sunday 29 November.
You've wrapped up a role and you're working out what's next. The skills you already have could be the start of your own business.
Uni or TAFE is done, and there's an idea you want to test before you commit to a job.
You've worked for someone else for years, and you're ready to see if your skills could be a business.
A trade, a creative business, a service people keep asking for. Now's the time to look at it properly.
You'll be learning from the team that has helped small businesses start and grow since 1998.
To apply, you must: be 18 or older; live in the Inner Metropolitan Melbourne Employment Region; be legally able to work in Australia; work less than 25 hours a week; have a business idea, or a new business with up to four staff; be able to come to all five days. You can't apply if you're enrolled in any study (including uni on a break), on a temporary work or student visa, or an undischarged bankrupt.
Monday, shape and test your idea
Tuesday, the money: costs, pricing and cash flow.
Wednesday, your brand.
Thursday, getting customers.
Friday, your business plan, a panel of local business owners, and your next step.
A clear answer on whether your idea is worth chasing. Your customer, tested. Your numbers. A simple business plan. Your brand basics. A 90-day plan.
MIC delivers Small Business Coaching for Self-Employment Assistance participants located in the Inner Metropolitan Melbourne Employment Region, which includes:
- Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs
- Alphington, Kew, and Doncaster through to Box Hill and Blackburn
- St Kilda, Elsternwick, and Caulfield down to Brighton, Moorabbin, and Cheltenham
- Extending south to Sandringham, Parkdale, and Patterson Lakes
If you’re located outside this region, you can find your nearest provider via the Workforce Australia provider directory.
1. Apply now. A short online application (about 5 minutes) about you and your idea.
2. Eligibility checks. We and Business Foundations confirm you meet the program criteria.
3. Hear back. If you're successful in being selected, we'll send your offer and a short checklist by Thursday 3 December.
Applications close: Sunday 29 November. There are 20 spots in the cohort.
You’ll leave with a business plan for your idea. You’ll also have an ideal customer profile, a clear value proposition, a brand kit and brand voice, your first landing page, and the start of your social media and marketing presence. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of financial planning, cash flow and planning for profit.
