Practical Business Support Through Self-Employment Assistance
Whether you're exploring a business idea, starting a new business or looking to strengthen an existing one, Sea to Valley Startups provides practical support to help build a viable and sustainable business.
As a provider of the Australian Government's Self-Employment Assistance program, a range of flexible services is available to suit different business stages and goals.
Business Advice Sessions
One-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs. Ideal for exploring a business idea, solving a business challenge, reviewing marketing, pricing, customers or planning the next steps.
Business Health Check
Take a step back from the day-to-day running of the business. Review strengths, identify opportunities, develop an action plan and focus on improving long-term business viability.
Business Plan Development
Develop a practical business plan supported by experienced business advisers, including financial forecasting, cash flow planning and identifying funding requirements.
Small Business Coaching
Eligible participants can receive personalised coaching for up to 12 months to help establish or grow a commercially viable business.
Small Business Coaching may also include access to financial assistance and reimbursement of eligible business expenses.
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
Discover what self-employment involves, test and refine a business idea, understand the essentials of running a business and decide whether self-employment is the right pathway.
Accredited Small Business Training (Optional)
Eligible participants may choose to undertake nationally recognised small business training to build knowledge and confidence while developing their business.
Workshops, Events and Local Connections
Regular workshops, networking events and business conversations provide opportunities to build skills, meet other business owners and connect with local organisations across the region.
Eligibility
To access Self-Employment Assistance services, participants must:
- be at least 15 years of age (18 years or older for Small Business Coaching)
- be legally able to work in Australia
- not be an overseas visitor on a Working Holiday Visa
- not be an overseas student studying in Australia
- not be an undischarged bankrupt
- be located within the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Yorke Peninsula or Mid North regions of South Australia.
If eligibility is unclear, simply book an initial conversation.
Step 1
Book your
Initial Phone Chat
15 Minutes
Step 2
After your initial phone chat we will invite you to select the services that suit your needs.
Business Advice Session
1 Hour
Get Stuff Done - Content
1 Hour
Business Plan Development
1 Hour
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
Small Business Training - Optional
Business Health Check
1 Hour
Small Business Coaching Session
15 Minutes
Small Business Coaching Session
30 Minutes
Small Business Coaching Session
1 Hour
Choosing the Right Support
One of the strengths of the Australian Government's Self-Employment Assistance program is its flexibility. Rather than following a fixed pathway, participants can choose the services that best suit their individual circumstances, business goals and stage of development.
An initial conversation with a member of the Sea to Valley Startups team provides an opportunity to discuss your business idea or existing business, explore self-employment options and identify the services that are likely to provide the greatest benefit.
The discussion may include:
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personal and business eligibility requirements
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suitability for Self-Employment Assistance
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business goals and stage of development
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skills, experience and capability
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current challenges and opportunities
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recommendations for relevant Self-Employment Assistance services
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face-to-face and online support options
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useful resources, referrals and local connections.
Following this conversation, participants can decide which services they would like to access.
For more information about the Australian Government's Self-Employment Assistance program, visit:
Business Advice Sessions
Business Advice Sessions provide tailored one-on-one support for people who want practical advice without committing to ongoing coaching.
These sessions are suitable for people who are considering self-employment, starting a business, operating an existing business or previous Self-Employment Assistance participants seeking additional guidance.
Advice may include:
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testing and refining a business idea
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business planning
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marketing and attracting customers
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pricing and profitability
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preparing for finance or business loans
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improving business viability
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addressing specific business challenges.
Participants can access one or more sessions depending on individual needs and eligibility.
Business Health Check
A Business Health Check provides approximately three hours of tailored support to review the current position of a business.
Together, the business is assessed across key areas including customers, products and services, marketing, operations, finances and future opportunities.
The outcome includes:
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an assessment of business strengths and opportunities
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practical recommendations
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a prioritised action plan
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referrals to additional services where appropriate.
Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
These practical workshops help participants explore whether self-employment is the right pathway while building confidence and business knowledge.
Workshop topics include:
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Getting Started
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Business Idea Generation and Validation
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Start-up Essentials
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Going Digital
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Branding and Marketing
Workshops are delivered both face to face and online.
Small Business Coaching
Small Business Coaching provides personalised mentoring and practical support for up to 52 weeks to help participants establish and build a sustainable business.
Coaching is tailored to individual business goals and may include support with:
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implementing a Business Plan
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attracting and retaining customers
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marketing and sales
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financial management
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business systems
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growth planning
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overcoming business challenges.
Eligible participants may also have access to financial assistance and reimbursement of approved business expenses in accordance with the Self-Employment Assistance program.
Business Plan Development
A well-developed Business Plan provides a roadmap for establishing and growing a successful business.
Support is available to develop a Business Plan that meets the Self-Employment Assistance program requirements while creating a practical document that can be used to guide business decisions.
Business Plans include:
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business goals and objectives
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products and services
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target customers
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marketing strategies
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operational planning
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financial planning
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a two-year cash flow forecast
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funding sources and financial assumptions.
Development is completed using the Sea to Valley Startups Business Plan template with personalised guidance throughout the process.
Small Business Training
Participants may choose to strengthen their business knowledge through optional nationally recognised training.
Available qualifications include:
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Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB30220)
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Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320)
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Micro Business Skill Set (BSBSS00102)
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New Business Ventures Skill Set (BSBSS00103)
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Small Business Management Skill Set (BSBSS00104)
Training complements business coaching and advice, helping participants build the practical skills and confidence needed to operate a successful business.
For further information about Self-Employment Assistance services and eligibility, visit: