DocDownload is the brainchild of Steve Irons, a technical writer with over thirty years of industry experience behind him.

His website docdownload.com.au is an online resource for Australian businesses and allows immediate download of templates for legal, business and technical documentation.

After taking time out from work to study, Steve found it difficult to get another job in the industry. Centrelink suggested he put his extensive experience to good use by starting his own business, and directed him towards the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme.

The scheme gave Steve the structure and support he needed to get the business underway. He also particularly valued the ongoing mentoring throughout the first year of operations.

'I come from the corporate world and so I'm used to reporting to somebody. When you start out in business on your own, you could easily do nothing and you've got no feedback,' says Steve.

'This is particularly the case with my business because when you're working on the internet, every now and then you sell something but nobody will ever write to you and say, this is great. So it was really important to me to have David and Matt at ESBEC giving me feedback about how I was doing.'

Steve found that the NEIS course made him formalise his business plan and think through all the ramifications of his business idea. He also received invaluable assistance with the financial planning for his business.

'Mentor feedback means I'm reporting to somebody, so I have to explain my results. I was too optimistic in my initial planning so David brought me in and worked through my numbers with me - I really appreciated that.'

Not only is Steve achieving success with the website, but it has also given him a new identity within the industry, which has led to more work opportunities. 'My attitude has changed and so has that of the head hunters who are placing me for work', he smiles.

For Steve, the main impact of NEIS was motivational, getting him on track with his business and giving him a positive outlook for the future.

'The mentorship during the scheme was very useful in helping me get it right and in giving me the confidence to take on a huge challenge for a single individual.'

 For details of NEIS businesses visit www.neisdirectory.com.au

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