Updated 12 March 2013
New Enterprise Allowance (NEA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants aged 18 and over who want to start their own business can get extra help through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA). This help is available from the first day of their benefit claim in most cases.
From 18 February 2013, lone parents on Income Support, from their first day of benefit claim and Employment and Support Allowance claimants in the Work Related Activity Group aged 18 and over who are receiving support form Jobcentre Plus, can also access NEA.
People taking part in Work Programme or Work Choice provision are not eligible for NEA as support with self-employment is delivered by their provider.
Disabled people enrolled in the NEA can now receive additional support through Access to Work to help pay for necessary specialised equipment, support workers and travel costs to get their business started.
Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor who will provide guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through the early months of trading. Once a participant has had their business plan approved, ended their benefit claim and started trading, they will be able to access financial support. This will consist of:
- a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks, paid at £65 a week for the first 13 weeks and £33 a week for a further 13 weeks, and
- the facility to access a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs, subject to status.
The total package of support could be worth up to £2,274 to each participant who starts their own business.
On this page:
- Successful applicants
- NEA loan service providers
- Merseyside partnership opportunities
- Enterprise Clubs
Successful applicants
The successful applications for funding 
(42KB) to help deliver NEA in the Jobcentre Plus districts.
NEA loans service providers
If a new business needs start-up capital, they may also be able to access a loan up to £1,000 to help with their start-up costs. Contracts have been awarded for the delivery of the loans service.
There are 8 regional contracts for the delivery of the loans service for the rest of Great Britain.
| Region | Loan Service Provider |
|---|---|
| Central England | Community Development Finance Association |
| London and the Home Counties | GLE |
| Merseyside | East Lancashire Moneyline |
| North East England | The Five Lamps Organisation |
| North West England | Business Finance Solutions |
| Scotland | GLE |
| Southern England | Ten Sixty Six Enterprise |
| Wales | GLE |
Merseyside trailblazer
We are currently working with St Helens Chamber to deliver mentoring support for the New Enterprise Allowance trailblazer in Merseyside, referral activity will continue under the existing arrangement until March 2013.
If you wish to be become a member of the St Helens Chamber partnership on a voluntary basis, please contact ann.holcroft@sthelenschamber.com.
You will need to demonstrate where your membership would add value.
The decision as to which members are recruited into the partnership rests with the St Helens Chamber.
Enterprise Clubs
Enterprise Clubs are a Great Britain wide initiative which aims to support the development of a network of locally led, community based support targeted at unemployed people interested in self-employment.
