Gina Wilks opened Achieving Solutions through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) program in April 2018, after completing her business training.

Her dream was to have a nursing and disability service to support babies, children, teenagers and young adults in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast, providing assistance with personal care, community access and all registered nursing services including continence needs, wound care, training, education and support.

Ms Wilks credits her success to not only her drive but also the initial training and then the ongoing mentoring from her experienced business advisor who knew when to step back as she gained confidence, but still to be there to guide her through rapid growth phases.

She has also gained lifelong friends through the NEIS community, as they share experiences, refer clients and collaborate with each other.

Achieving Solutions now has a reputation in the disability community as a boutique provider run by a registered nurse, who supports individuals with high-care needs including tracheostomy, catheters, PEG tubes and degenerative conditions.

Other milestones for Ms Wilks included employing staff to increase her client base, services and skills; finding affordable office space (which she did by becoming one of the Hunter Region Business Hub's tenants), and winning the NEIS Business of the Year in the Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards in 2018.

Ms Wilks recommends anyone eligible for NEIS to apply for the program so they can start their business on strong foundations.

An Australian Government-funded small business program, NEIS has supported more than 150,000 unemployed job seekers to start their own small business over the past 30 years.

NEIS provides practical, accredited small business training, complete with financial forecasts and a marketing plan; and one year of personalised mentoring once the participant's business is up and running.

If eligible, NEIS will also provide income support for up to 39 weeks and rental assistance for up to 26 weeks.

If you have a great business idea and want more information about NEIS, contact the Hunter Region Business Hub on 1300 304 794.