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CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
MN, Canada
Money and help for unemployed Francophone Manitoban start-ups
Expert Advice
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
Buying or selling a company
Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- MN
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Startups
Activities funded
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:
$ 13,000
Starting a digital marketing consultancy assisting small businesses
$ 18,000
Creating an online platform connecting local artisans with buyers
$ 23,000
Launching a non-profit coding bootcamp for underrepresented groups
$ 15,000
Establishing a community garden initiative for local food production
$ 20,000
Opening a specialty coffee shop with an eco-friendly focus
$ 18,000
Launching an artisanal bakery serving local organic products
Eligibility
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.
Selection criteria
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
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.
Contacts
jmartine@cdem.com
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CDEM — 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 CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
Who is eligible for the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program?
What expenses are eligible under CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
Where is the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program available?
Is the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
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