CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
MN, Canada
Money and help for unemployed Francophone Manitoban start-ups
CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM)
Status
Open
Overview of the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program
If you are unemployed and receiving employment insurance benefits and have a good business idea, you could get funding as well as one year of business counselling and training to help you plan and start your business.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant is designed to help French-speaking entrepreneurs in Manitoba develop and launch their business initiatives. It provides essential financial and technical assistance to propel their business ideas into action.
- Development of a comprehensive business plan.
- Securing funding necessary for the start-up phase of the business.
- Training for developing skills in starting and managing a business.
- Start-up consultation with follow-up counselling to ensure business plan execution.
- Networking opportunities through monthly business meetings.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Establishing a community garden initiative for local food production
$ 18,000
Launching an artisanal bakery serving local organic products
$ 18,000
Creating an online platform connecting local artisans with buyers
$ 20,000
Opening a specialty coffee shop with an eco-friendly focus
$ 13,000
Starting a digital marketing consultancy assisting small businesses
$ 23,000
Launching a non-profit coding bootcamp for underrepresented groups
Eligibility criteria of the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements associated with an applicant's employment status and business project feasibility.
- The applicant must be unemployed and receive employment insurance benefits.
- The applicant must present a viable business project.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Self-Employment Benefit Program, applicants must be unemployed and receiving employment insurance benefits. Additionally, they must present a viable business project. The program is managed by Education, Training and Youth Manitoba and is offered to French-speaking entrepreneurs in Manitoba by CDEM. Additional unspecified criteria may also apply.
Eligible expenses
The Self-Employment Benefit Program provides support for entrepreneurial initiatives, aiding French-speaking Manitobans in developing their business ventures. Activities eligible for the grant focus on business development and training.
- Development of a comprehensive business plan.
- Securing funding for the start-up phase of the business.
- Participation in training programs for starting and managing a business.
- Receiving start-up and follow-up counselling on the business plan.
- Engagement in networking opportunities provided through monthly meetings.
Eligible geographic areas
This program specifically targets French-speaking entrepreneurs located in the province of Manitoba.
- French-speaking individuals or businesses in Manitoba.
Eligibility criteria of the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Self-Employment Benefit Program:
- Applicants must be unemployed and receive employment insurance benefits.
- They need to present a viable business project.
- Other criteria may apply.
How to apply to the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program
1
Initial Meeting with CDEM Professional
- Contact CDEM to schedule a meeting with a business advisor.
- Discuss your business idea with the advisor to assess feasibility.
- Ensure that your business plan meets the program criteria.
2
Develop a Business Plan
- Create a comprehensive business plan with guidance from your advisor.
- Include details such as the business model, target market, and financial projections.
3
Secure Funding
- Identify potential funding sources with your advisor's assistance.
- Prepare financial documents required for funding applications.
4
Application Submission
- Complete any required forms or documentation for the program.
- Submit the application and business plan to your CDEM advisor for review.
5
Program Participation
- If accepted, participate in the program for up to one year.
- Engage in monthly meetings organized by CDEM to network and gain insights.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Participants benefit from professional assistance for a year.
- CDEM organizes a monthly meeting resembling a scaled-down chamber of commerce for networking and idea exchange.
Contact Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM)
jmartine@cdem.com
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