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CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region)
Last Update: March 6, 2026
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Support for unemployed Atlantic Canadians to launch a business
Expert Advice
Overview
If you are unemployed, you can receive financial assistance, counselling and technical advice during the initial phase of your business creation and development.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 5,700
Expanding a small arts and crafts store to include online sales
$ 4,800
Launching a mobile tech repair service catering to seniors
$ 5,000
Starting an online platform for mental health resources
$ 5,000
Starting a new community-based eco-friendly cleaning service
$ 6,000
Expansion of a small local bakery to offer gluten-free products
$ 3,000
Creating a business plan for a new artisanal coffee shop
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Self Employment Benefit Program, certain criteria must be met by the applicant.
- The applicant must be unemployed.
- The applicant must be an Atlantic Canadian.
- The applicant must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a certain timeframe, or be approved for the program and not currently receiving EI benefits.
- The applicant must demonstrate self-employment as a viable option based on strengths and needs assessment.
- The applicant must prepare a business plan that demonstrates the potential for success.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants include unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada who are interested in starting their own businesses, especially those who are currently receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a specific timeframe. Prospective applicants must demonstrate that self-employment is a viable option for them and that they have a sound business plan with the potential for success.Eligible expenses
Some eligible expenses under the Self-Employment Benefit Program include:
- Business registration fees
- Marketing and advertising costs
- Equipment and supplies for your business
- Professional development or training related to your business
- Office rent or utilities
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically tailored for unemployed individuals in the Atlantic Region of Canada, aiding them during the initial phase of their business ventures. Eligible geographical areas are determined by the regions covered under the program's guidelines.
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
Selection criteria
The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program in Canada has evaluation and selection criteria. Applicants are evaluated based on their business plan and must meet provincially established program criteria.
- Business plan demonstrating potential for success
- Compliance with provincially established program criteria
- Recommendation by the Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator
- Approval by the selection committee
How to apply
1
Contact Nova Scotia Works
- Reach out to Nova Scotia Works to discuss your eligibility for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program.
- If deemed potentially eligible, you will be referred to a Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator.
2
Initial Meeting with SEB Coordinator
- Schedule a meeting with the local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator in your area.
- The coordinator will evaluate your strengths and needs to determine if self-employment is a suitable option for you.
3
Completing Application Form and Preparing Business Plan
- If self-employment is recommended, complete the SEB Program application form.
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan demonstrating your business's potential for success.
- Get guidance from your Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator on the key requirements of the business plan.
4
Selection Process
- Your application and business plan will be reviewed by a committee based on provincially established criteria.
- Wait to be notified by your Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator regarding the outcome of your application.
- If accepted, you will be officially informed of your entry into the SEB Program.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The SEB Program is funded by the Government of Canada through labor market agreements with provincial governments.
- Programs and services available under the SEB Program may vary by region.
- The local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator will provide detailed guidance on the development of the business plan and eligibility determination.
Contacts
1-888-303-2232
