MRC Arthabaska - Self-employment support (STA)
QC, Canada
Startup support with financial and technical assistance
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- MRC Arthabaska
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grant_card_status|open
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The Self-Employment Support program, managed with Services Québec, provides unemployed individuals or those receiving employment or employment insurance assistance with a weekly allowance for up to 52 weeks to start or acquire a business, along with technical support during the first two years of operation. Eligible activities include financial allocations for childcare and personalized coaching for business launch and management, specifically for non-highly competitive sectors.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant, administered in collaboration with Services Québec, is designed to aid individuals in starting or acquiring a business by providing financial and technical support. Eligible activities focus on business creation and management.
- Initiating a new business venture.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Receiving individual coaching and support during startup and initial operations.
- Managing the business within its first two years of operation.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to employment status and the competitive environment of the business sector.
- Must be a recipient of employment assistance or employment insurance.
- Must be an unemployed person who has received employment insurance benefits in the last three years.
- Must be an unemployed person without support or a precarious worker (eligible only for technical support).
- Must be in a business sector that does not experience high competition.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Support for Self-Employment (Soutien au travail autonome - STA) program is available to individuals who are currently unemployed and are receiving employment assistance or employment insurance benefits. This support is also extended to individuals who have received employment insurance benefits in the past three years, those who are unemployed and without support, and precarious workers (eligible for technical support only). Business ventures must also be in sectors that are not highly competitive.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant provides financial support to cover specific eligible expenses for entrepreneurs under the program.
- Weekly allowance for eligible participants.
- Allowance for childcare expenses.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Establish Eligibility
- Contact an agent at the Bureau of Services Québec (BSQ) to determine eligibility.
- Verify that you fall under the required categories such as a recipient of employment assistance or employment insurance, or are unemployed within specific conditions.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather necessary documentation including proof of benefits and any required personal information.
- Prepare a business proposal detailing your intended business operations.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit your application and supporting documents directly to the BSQ.
- Ensure that all forms are complete and accurate before submission.
- Step 4: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Follow up with the BSQ for confirmation of receipt and further steps.
- Retain any reference number or confirmation details for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant includes a component for technical support, which is pivotal for entrepreneurs to kick-start their business effectively.
- The technical support is available for the first two years, ensuring guidance during the critical initial phase of the business.
- This measure is specifically managed in collaboration with Services Québec, indicating a close working relationship with the governmental body throughout the process.
Apply to this program
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Support and Funding
The Support for Self-Employment (Soutien au travail autonome, STA) initiative provides financial assistance and individualized support to unemployed individuals in Quebec looking to start or acquire a business. This program, managed in collaboration with Services Québec, aims to foster entrepreneurial growth by offering weekly stipends and technical advice during the startup phase.
Detailed Overview of the Support for Self-Employment Program
The Support for Self-Employment program is a strategic initiative by the Quebec government to encourage entrepreneurship among individuals who are currently recipients of employment assistance or employment insurance. It represents a critical lifeline for those seeking to break into the business world but who may lack the necessary resources or support systems. By offering a combination of financial funding and technical assistance, this initiative ensures that entrepreneurs have the vital tools they need to succeed.
At the core of this program is the provision of a weekly stipend, which serves as financial breathing room for recipients as they embark on their business ventures. This financial support is crucial during the initial stages of business development, where income may be unstable or slow to build. Moreover, for recipients who require child care, additional allocations are available, making it easier for parent entrepreneurs to manage their family responsibilities while following their entrepreneurial dreams.
Technical support under the STA program is another significant benefit, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the guidance necessary for effective business management. Over the first two years of operation, participants benefit from tailored advice that spans various aspects of business setup and management. This personalized mentorship can include insights into creating sustainable business models, developing marketing strategies, managing finances, and navigating regulatory requirements, among other vital services.
An interesting aspect of the STA program is its eligibility criteria, which focus on aiding a demographic often overlooked in traditional business funding models. Specifically targeting recipients of employment assistance or those who have received employment insurance within the last three years, the program ensures that individuals currently outside of the workforce have access to entrepreneurial opportunities. Furthermore, it extends technical support to individuals classified as precarious workers, thereby broadening its reach to include more people striving for better job security by venturing into self-employment.
Potential applicants must begin the process by confirming their eligibility with a Services Québec officer. This step is critical to ensure that the resources are allocated to individuals most likely to benefit from the program's offerings. In doing so, the initiative not only invests in individual entrepreneurial success but also contributes to the wider economic development in Quebec by fostering a new cohort of business owners poised to innovate and create jobs.
Although the STA program is focused on practical outcomes — enabling individuals to build viable businesses — it also has broader socio-economic impacts. Encouraging entrepreneurship among unemployed and marginally employed individuals helps in reducing dependency on social assistance and stimulates job creation. The businesses launched under this program can potentially contribute to diversifying the local economy and creating a more robust economic environment.
In summary, the Support for Self-Employment program represents a vital initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs in Quebec. By coupling financial assistance with in-depth technical guidance, it ensures participants are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a business. As these new business ventures take root and flourish, they not only transform the lives of participating entrepreneurs but also invigorate the broader economic landscape, leading to a dynamic and innovative future for Quebec's entrepreneurial community.
