This evaluation reviewed the four components of the Australian Government's Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Initiative:

1. Entrepreneurship Facilitators appointed in Cairns, the Hunter Valley (including Newcastle), and Launceston and North East Tasmania to promote entrepreneurship and support individuals to establish their own businesses, including connecting them to existing services, with a focus on young people. 
2. Expansion of new business assistance with the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) by broadening the eligibility criteria and increasing the number of places available by 2,300, to a total of 8,600 each financial year. 
3. Two-week workshops aimed at giving people a taste of self-employment and what is involved in starting a business. 
4. SelfStart online hub to guide people through starting a business.

Due to the varied nature of the initiative components, a variety of research methods were employed and the evaluation explored different measures and questions across each component. The research included qualitative interviews and focus groups with NEIS and workshop participants, surveys and analysis of existing administrative data. The report includes a departmental response.

Key findings

• Entrepreneurship Facilitators noted that engaging young clients with their services required new ways of thinking.
• Entrepreneurship Facilitors were seen to address a gap in services.
• Perceptions of the role of Facilitators varied.
• NEIS expanded but remained below the new cap; providers were concerned about the low awareness of NEIS and were keen to see more promotion of the program. 
• Self-referral to NEIS was just as common as referral from employment services.
• Perceptions of NEIS were generally positive.
• The NEIS business planning process was useful but rigid.
• Business survival rates dropped over time but employment increased.
• A small number of secondary employment opportunities were created through NEIS.
• Perceptions of the workshops were very positive.
• Self-employment appeals to those looking for a job, to test an idea or for control over their work.
• Participants face multiple barriers to starting a business.