How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region)?

CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) is funded by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

What are CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region)'s eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be an unemployed Atlantic Canadian. The applicant must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance benefits. The applicant must meet with a Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to determine eligibility.

CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region)

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Support for unemployed Atlantic Canadians to launch a business

CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

Program status

Open

Overview of the CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) program

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

Financing terms and conditions

The CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) grant provides financial assistance and a structured weekly allowance to support eligible unemployed individuals in their entrepreneurial endeavors. The financial modalities focus on maintaining income support through various phases of business establishment.

Continuation of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits until the end of the claim period, followed by support at a provincially determined rate.
Weekly allowance provided for approved participants who are not receiving Employment Insurance.

Eligible projects & activities

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 5,000

Starting an online platform for mental health resources

$ 3,000

Creating a business plan for a new artisanal coffee shop

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) program

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

Eligibility criteria of the CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) program

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 to the CBDC Self Employment Assistance (Atlantic Region) program

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Financing and support for SMEs in Southwest NB