Open
CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program
Money and help for unemployed Francophone Manitoban start-ups
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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
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?
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.
Who is eligible for the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program?
To be eligible for the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program, you must:
Be unemployed and receive employment insurance benefits.
Present a viable business project.
Other criteria may apply.
What expenses are eligible under CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
You can contact Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) by email at jmartine@cdem.com.
Where is the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program available?
The CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program?
CDEM — Self-Employment Benefit Program is funded by Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM)