NEA Scheme

NOTE: The NEA scheme is now closed to new applicants.

Sponsored by the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) and operating in conjunction with Cumbria Chamber.  The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was a scheme designed to assist unemployed people who wish to start their own business.

The project was aimed at supporting individuals claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and those receiving Income Support if they are a lone parent, or are sick or disabled.

Individuals interested in the NEA Programme could refer themselves to the scheme provided they are in receipt of an eligible benefit or they can be referred by Job Centre Plus to a contracted provider organisation which matches them with a business mentor after a 1:1 Business Assessment meeting.

The scheme has supported thousands new businesses to be successfully launched in the last 7 years across Lancashire.