How much funding can be received?

If you are unemployed, you can receive financial assistance, counselling and technical advice during the initial phase of your business creation and development.

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This program is targeted towards unemployed individuals located within the Atlantic Canada region. The eligible areas are part of specific regional efforts to assist in self-employment initiatives.

Atlantic Canada, which includes the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$3,000

Creating a business plan for a new artisanal coffee shop

$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

$4,800

Launching a mobile tech repair service catering to seniors

$5,700

Expanding a small arts and crafts store to include online sales

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

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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.

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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

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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

grant_single_labels|register

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

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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.

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1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Empowering Unemployed Atlantic Canadians to Launch Businesses

The Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program provides essential support to eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada, offering financial assistance, counselling, and technical advice during the initial stages of establishing their own businesses. This program plays a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and helping participants transition into self-employment successfully.

Understanding the Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program

The Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is an initiative designed to empower unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada to explore and embrace self-employment as a viable career path. It offers a comprehensive support system comprising financial aid, personalized counselling, and expert technical guidance to assist these individuals in navigating the challenges of starting and running a successful business. The program is particularly targeted at those who are receiving or have recently received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, providing them with a continued financial lifeline to ease the transition into entrepreneurship.

For participants currently receiving EI benefits, the SEB Program ensures that they continue to receive these benefits until their claim expires. Thereafter, they receive support payments at a rate established by the province, tailored to sustain them through the business development journey. For those approved participants not receiving EI benefits at the time of application, the program offers a weekly allowance, again calculated at a provincially established rate, to help them focus on getting their business off the ground without immediate financial stress.

The foundation of the SEB Program's success lies in its hands-on, personalized approach. It begins with potential candidates making contact with Nova Scotia Works, which serves as the initial touchpoint to determine eligibility and suitability for the program. Following this, candidates are referred to a local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator who evaluates their strengths, weaknesses, and overall preparedness for pursuing self-employment. This step is critical in ensuring that the candidate's business idea is feasible and aligned with their skillset and market needs.

Once deemed viable, candidates are guided through the application process, which includes crafting a robust business plan that demonstrates potential for success. This plan becomes a pivotal document that underscores the candidate’s understanding of their business environment, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. The Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator plays a critical role in explaining the key requirements of the business plan, ensuring it meets all necessary criteria for evaluation.

The selection process for the SEB Program is rigorous, involving a committee review where the application and business plan are assessed against provincially established criteria. Successful candidates receive official confirmation of their acceptance into the program, setting them on a path toward achieving economic independence through their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Beyond financial support, the SEB Program offers significant intangible benefits that enhance a candidate’s entrepreneurial capabilities. The counselling and technical advice provided can be invaluable, helping new entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, innovate their business models, and adapt to the changing demands of their respective industries. Moreover, the program fosters a supportive network of other entrepreneurs and advisors, creating a communal learning environment where experiences and strategies are shared to mutual benefit.

As a government-funded initiative, the SEB Program exemplifies a commitment to harnessing the potential of entrepreneurship as a mechanism for economic growth and job creation. By lowering the financial barriers and providing tailored support, the program helps to transform the entrepreneurial landscape of Atlantic Canada, driving regional economic resilience and fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency among its participants. In this way, the SEB Program not only aids individuals in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams but also contributes to the broader economic tapestry of the region.