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CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program
Financial and coaching support for unemployed entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The CBDC Self-Employment Benefit Program offers financial support and business coaching to eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada as they launch their own businesses. The program provides continued Employment Insurance benefits or a provincially determined weekly allowance during the planning and start-up phases, covering activities such as business planning, counselling, and technical advice; the maximum funding amount is determined by the provincial rate.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching and developing a new business as a self-employed individual.
- Receiving business planning and coaching support during business start-up.
- Participating in entrepreneurial counseling and technical advisory services.
Eligibility
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
Additional information
- The program is delivered by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and services may vary by region.
- Financial support for the program is provided through Labor Market Agreements between Canada and provincial governments.
- Counselling and technical advice are available in addition to financial assistance during the start-up phase.
- An SEB Coordinator is assigned to guide applicants throughout the process.
Contacts
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.
What is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?
The CBDC Self-Employment Benefit Program offers financial support and business coaching to eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada as they launch their own businesses. The program provides continued Employment Insurance benefits or a provincially determined weekly allowance during the planning and start-up phases, covering activities such as business planning, counselling, and technical advice; the maximum funding amount is determined by the provincial rate.
Who is eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program?
To be eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program, you must:
The business must be in the start-up phase.
Support targeted to eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada.
What expenses are eligible under CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?
Launching and developing a new business as a self-employed individual.
Receiving business planning and coaching support during business start-up.
Participating in entrepreneurial counseling and technical advisory services.
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.
Where is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program available?
The CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program is a Grant and Funding
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)
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