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 Benefit Program?

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

What are CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be unemployed and residing in Atlantic Canada. The applicant must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a certain timeframe.

CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Financing for unemployed Atlantic entrepreneurs to start a business

CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

Program status

Open

Overview of the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program

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

This grant offers essential financial support to encourage entrepreneurship among eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada. Various financial modalities are designed to aid new business ventures during their critical startup phase.

Continued receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits until the end of the claim, with added support at provincially established rates for the remainder of the program duration.
If not receiving EI benefits, recipients are provided with a weekly allowance at a provincially determined rate.

Eligible projects & activities

The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program aids unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada aiming to start their own business by offering financial assistance, counselling, and technical advice. Eligible projects and activities are those that support the successful planning and launch of self-employment ventures.

Development and implementation of a viable business plan.
Engagement in activities that build entrepreneurial skills.
Acquisition of necessary permits or licenses to start a business.
Market research and analysis to validate business ideas.
Financial planning and budget management for start-up phases.

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 criteria of the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program

Eligibility for the Self-Employment Benefit Program is based on the applicant's employment status and readiness for self-employment.

The applicant must be unemployed and residing in Atlantic Canada.
The applicant must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a specific timeframe.
The applicant must be deemed suitable for self-employment by a Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator through an initial assessment of strengths and needs.
The applicant must prepare a business plan demonstrating potential for success.

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

The CBDC Self-Employment Benefit Program is provided to eligible unemployed individuals located in the Atlantic region of Canada. The program aims to support new entrepreneurs in these areas.

New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island

Eligibility criteria of the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program:

Applications and business plans are evaluated based on provincially established program criteria.

How to apply to the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program

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

Here are some additional pertinent details worth knowing for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program:

The SEB Program offers counselling and technical advice in addition to financial assistance.
Applicants need to demonstrate the viability and potential success of their business through their business plan.
Coordination with a local SEB Coordinator is crucial for determining eligibility and guiding the application process.
The program allows you to continue receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits until your claim ends if you were already receiving them.

Contact Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Support for Nova Scotia workers’ skills development