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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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
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
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 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)