CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

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

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?

CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program is funded by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

Q: Who is eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program?

To be eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program, you must: • Must be an unemployed individual in Atlantic Canada planning to start a business • Must submit a business plan demonstrating potential for success

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?

You can contact Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) or by phone at 1-888-303-2232.

Q: Where is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program available?

The CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are startups eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program.

Last Update: August 5, 2025

NS, Canada

Financing for unemployed Atlantic entrepreneurs to start a business

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Access various types of support including financial assistance, counselling, and technical advice during the initial stages of starting a business if you are an unemployed Atlantic Canadian.

Financing terms and conditions

Continued receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for eligible participants until the end of their claim, followed by a provincially established support rate for the remaining program duration.
For those not currently receiving EI, a weekly allowance is provided at a provincially established rate.

Activities funded

Launching a new business by eligible unemployed individuals during the initial phases of their entrepreneurial project.
Developing and planning a viable business through the creation of a detailed business plan.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,000

Establishing a bakery with artisanal bread products

$ 8,000

Launching an eco-friendly cleaning service

$ 10,000

Starting an online store for handcrafted jewelry in St John's

$ 16,000

Opening a fitness studio offering yoga and pilates classes

$ 16,000

Developing a mobile app for mental health support

$ 12,000

Starting an organic vegetable farm

Eligibility

The applicant must be an unemployed individual residing in Atlantic Canada.
The applicant must be either currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or have recently received EI benefits within a specific timeframe.
The applicant must meet and be evaluated by a local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to determine eligibility for the program.
The applicant must submit a business plan that demonstrates potential for success and meets provincially established criteria.

Who is eligible?

The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is designed for unemployed Atlantic Canadians who are considering starting their own business. Ideal candidates for this program include:- Individuals currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or those who have received such benefits within a certain timeframe.- Unemployed individuals with a viable business idea and potential to succeed in self-employment.Applicants will need to demonstrate their business plan's potential for success and go through an eligibility and evaluation process conducted by a local SEB Coordinator. The program supports entrepreneurial ventures through financial assistance, counselling, and technical advice during the initial start-up phase.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program:

Companies that do not have a viable business plan.
Companies that do not demonstrate potential for success.

Eligible expenses

The Self-Employment Benefit Program is designed to support unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada who are pursuing self-employment. This program offers essential resources and financial support during the critical early stages of business establishment.

Provision of financial assistance equivalent to Employment Insurance benefits or a provincially established weekly allowance.
Offering of counselling services to aid in business planning and decision-making during the start-up phase.
Technical advice to help entrepreneurs address business challenges and enhance operational efficiency.
Preparation assistance for creating a business plan that demonstrates potential success.

Eligible geographic areas

Atlantic Canada

Selection criteria

Assessment of applicant's strengths and needs by the Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator.
Viability and potential for success demonstrated in the business plan.
Evaluation by a committee according to provincially established program criteria.

How to apply

Initial Meeting with the SEB Coordinator

Contact the local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to schedule an initial meeting.
Discuss your eligibility and explore if self-employment is a suitable option for you.

Completing Application Form and Preparing Business Plan

Fill out and submit the application form provided by the SEB Coordinator.
Draft a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates potential for success.
Follow any specific guidelines for the business plan as explained by the SEB Coordinator.

Selection Process

Have your application and business plan evaluated by a committee based on provincially established criteria.
Receive notification from the SEB Coordinator regarding the decision on your application.

Additional information

The program is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Funding is sourced through Canada-Provincial Governments Labor Market Agreements.
Programs and services delivered by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) may differ by region.

Contacts

1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.