Open

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 program is accepting continuous intake

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: • The business must be in the start-up phase. • Support targeted to eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada.

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 Nova Scotia.

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: December 3, 2025

NS, Canada

Financial and coaching support for unemployed entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Community Business Development Corporations

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

No objectives are currently available

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

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

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.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

$ 8,000

Launching an eco-friendly cleaning service

$ 20,000

Establishing a bakery with artisanal bread products

$ 10,000

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

Eligibility

The applicant must be an unemployed Atlantic Canadian.
The applicant must be receiving or have recently received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or, if not currently receiving EI, may be eligible for a provincially established weekly allowance.
The applicant must engage in an initial assessment meeting with a Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to determine program suitability.
The applicant must complete an application and submit a business plan demonstrating potential for success.
Acceptance is subject to a selection process based on provincially established program 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

Strengths and needs analysis by the Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to determine viability of self-employment.
Quality and completeness of the business plan, demonstrating potential for success.
Evaluation of the application and business plan according to provincially established program criteria by a selection committee.

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 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

1-888-303-2232

NS, Canada

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.