New Enterprise Allowance scheme - My story

CJShep13

Not wanting to sound impatient or anything. When Business Enterprise Support phoned me on Wednesday, they confirmed i had a good business idea and that i was eligible for the scheme. They said that i would be contacted shortly to say I've been accepted on the programme and about how NEA works. and another about my mentor and workshops. How long does it take for the email to come through? I hate all this waiting, just want to get the ball rolling!

pinkypoopydoo

It seems to depend on your area - I'm in the Scottish Borders, and got my appointment confirmed with my mentor the day I was referred to Business Gateway by my job centre adviser. My first meeting was then arranged for three weeks later (purely three weeks to fit around my children being off school over Easter), and at that meeting, my business was accepted as a viable idea, and I was given 8 weeks (maximum) to polish my business plan, and to be signed off to NEA.

Other, I think, have waited far, far longer and had no contact at all.

CJShep13

One step closer. Got a text message today from someone from Princes Trust wanting to meet on tuesday. Time to get my business plan finished and then take it from there

pinkypoopydoo

Well, my first payment of the allowance appears to have been paid in today - all in all, I've had a pretty easy transition from JSA to NEA.

I've no money coming in yet, but work lined up for later this week, an interview next week for regular hours and regular hours starting next month - I'm feeling very happy about my position just now, as regular hours (10+ a week) are an unusual thing for a bookkeeper to pick up so quickly, and the hours I already have will cover the monthly bills with ease, so if I can get this other contract too, I'll be able to afford a "normal" life, with luxuries like spray deodorant (instead of roll on which is cheaper and lasts longer!!) and soft loo roll!!!

bellkat

That all sounds really promising Pinky, hope it all goes well and the work starts flooding in.

I had my business plan approved last Friday, so this afternoon I have an appointment with my advisor at the job centre to sign off, and hopefully set up my claim for the allowance.

Up to now my transition has also gone quite smoothly, my business advisor is Blue Orchid!!
I'm feeling quite nervous, but excited, it's a big step really to sign off, but I'll update on here with how it goes.

WantToBeSE

AARRGGHH...still not heard from this 'Mentor' and jobcentre wont do anything until i have seen them for at least 5 mentoring sessions.

Starting to lose the will to live now!

CJShep13

Had my meeting today with Princes Trust. I've now been fully accepted onto their Princes Trust Enterprise programme. I've been invited to a 4 day Enterprise course on the 23rd June which covers everything from Advertising/Marketing, to inland revenue and then my business plan. If that hasn't put me off S/E then i will be assigned a business mentor and i will look to get my business plan signed off

bellkat

Well everything went well at the JC yesterday, I've now signed off and my advisor sorted out my NEA claim.

She also put my business start date as next Sunday. I would have been due to sign on Monday, so that means I will get most of my normal JSA payment next week. That's really good as it can take a couple of weeks for the NEA to kick in.

I'm sorry to hear its taking longer for some to get on this scheme. My JC and business advisors have been really helpful, I can't believe it's not the same in other areas!!

This_Year

I've been referred now for NEA so hopefully something will happen soon. Am sort of expecting nothing to happen though as my advisor didn't manage to put my "evidence" through for JSA last fortnight and I had to chase that, so her having to print something out and then fax it over may well totally stump her!

I live in hope.

There's very little info about NEA out there, this thread has been very informative and given me lots of handy links. Thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge, much appreciated. :beer:

bellkat

Hi This Year, I've found this thread really helpful too, it made me aware that I needed to keep pushing both the JC and the business advisors at Blue Orchid to get anywhere!!

I was lucky that my JC advisor was aware of NEA and she referred me straight away when I asked. There may be someone else at your JC who knows a bit more about it, I'd ask next time you go in.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.