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CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program
Financial support for Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Self-Employment Benefit Program provides financial support and coaching to eligible applicants in Atlantic Canada as they launch a new business. It supports business planning, counselling, and technical advice during the planning and start-up phases.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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 a new self-employed business.
- Preparing a business plan for start-up.
- Receiving coaching, counselling, and technical advice during start-up.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Business plan
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada
- Applicants receiving or having received EI benefits
- Individuals starting a new business
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
- Training costs for approved business training, fully or partially covered.
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada
Processing and Agreement
- The local SEB Coordinator reviews the application and business plan with a committee.
- The file is evaluated against provincially established program criteria.
- Applicants are officially notified of the decision by the SEB Coordinator.
Additional information
- Programs and services may vary by region.
- The program is delivered through CBDCs in Atlantic Canada.
- Support includes financial assistance, counselling, and technical advice.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program Program
What is the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?
The Self-Employment Benefit Program provides financial support and coaching to eligible applicants in Atlantic Canada as they launch a new business. It supports business planning, counselling, and technical advice during the planning and start-up phases.
Who is eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program?
To be eligible for the CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program program, you must:
Unemployed in Atlantic Canada
EI recipient or former recipient
Business plan required
What expenses are eligible under CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program?
Launching a new self-employed business.
Preparing a business plan for start-up.
Receiving coaching, counselling, and technical advice during start-up.
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)