How much funding can be received?

The Support for Self-Employed Workers (SSEW) program by MRC de L’Islet provides financial aid to eligible individuals for business plan development and enterprise creation, with a focus on achieving financial autonomy and contributing to local economic diversification. Eligible activities include business plan preparation, entrepreneurship training, and technical advisory support, although a specific maximum funding amount is not mentioned in the provided text.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible activities for the grant support entrepreneurship by offering technical and financial assistance for developing and implementing business plans. These activities aim to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources to successfully launch and sustain their businesses.

Analysis of eligibility and viability of the business project.
Assessment of the entrepreneurial potential of the referred individual.
Individual support and advisory services for the preparation and implementation of the business plan.
Advisory services and support during the preparatory and start-up phases of the business, including the year following the participation in the measure.
Procurement of professional services as needed, which can involve direct purchase of services from a competent professional or organization by the coordinator on behalf of the participant.
Access to short-term, flexible supplementary training tailored to the reality of the clients.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires specific conditions related to the business activities and applicant status.

Create a new enterprise and maintain control over it.
Purchase an existing autonomous business.
Consolidate self-employed activities if receiving financial aid as a last resort.
Aim for self-employment or an individual business, regardless of legal status, including worker cooperatives.
Establish the business within Quebec and align with the local action plan for the economy and employment.
Must not be a franchise, banner, license, or other dependent enterprise.
Cannot be a business of sexual, religious, political nature, or any controversial enterprise that could negatively impact the ministry's association.
Not solely a financial consolidation enterprise, unless for those declaring income from self-employment aid.
Dedicated self-employment, characterized by serving a single client, is not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible candidates must be in one of the following situations:

Employment Insurance beneficiaries.
Social Assistance recipients.
Unemployed individuals with no public income support.
Workers with precarious status.

Additionally, candidates must:

Demonstrate motivation to become an entrepreneur.
Possess experience or skills related to their project.
Present a written draft of their business project.
Commit to dedicating their main activity to launching their business for a minimum of 35 hours per week.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of businesses are not eligible for the Support for Self-employed Workers (SSEW) program due to perceived restrictions related to their structure or industry sector. This is to ensure the program supports suitable entrepreneurial activities that align with the regional economic development goals.

Franchises, banners, licenses, or any businesses with an appearance of dependency are not eligible.
Sexual, religious, political, or otherwise controversial businesses that might unjustly associate the program with those activities.
Businesses merely undergoing financial consolidation without active entrepreneurial growth.
Dedicated self-employment similar to subcontracting, where there is dependence on a single client.
Businesses involved in professions governed by professional orders are not eligible.
Commission-based jobs are excluded from the program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses necessary for the preparation and implementation of a business plan and related advisory services.

Support individual and advisory assistance in the preparation and implementation of the business plan.
Purchases of professional services as needed, which can include direct service procurement from competent professionals or organizations.
Access to relevant short-term, flexible, and client-tailored training.
Training costs, including:
Taxation and GST/QST.
Networking skills.
Basic accounting.
Sales techniques.
Marketing plan development.
Legal aspects.
Internet information and usage.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located within the geographical territory of Quebec. Projects must be established within Quebec to be eligible, aligning with local economic and employment plans.

Companies established within the geographical territory of Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under the Soutien aux travailleurs autonomes grant focus on ensuring the project's viability and the applicant's capability to sustain their business in the long term within the local economic context.

The project must demonstrate viability, showing clear potential for sustainable operation.
It should respond to a need within the community, ensuring that it addresses gaps or opportunities in the local market.
The project must not create unfair competition with similar existing businesses in the same geographical area.
There must be evidence that the project can lead to the applicant's financial independence, reducing reliance on public support.
The project should align with the strategic goals of diversifying local economies and promoting employment creation.
The applicant must demonstrate control over the business, especially in business partnerships or associations.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Contact Economic Development Service
Reach out to Sylvain Thiboutot, Director of Economic Development at 418-598-3076 extension 255 or via email at s.thiboutot@mrclislet.com to inquire about eligibility and application process.
Step 2: Establish Eligibility
Verify that you meet the eligibility criteria through consultation with the Economic Development Service.
Ensure your project aligns with the viability and community needs requirements.
Step 3: Complete Preliminary Assessment
After contacting the service, undergo a preliminary assessment to evaluate your project's potential.
Step 4: Documentation Preparation
Prepare a written draft of your business project.
Compile necessary documents such as a curriculum vitae and a plan showing at least a 15% contribution to project financing.
Step 5: Submit Application
Submit your application directly to the coordinating body as informed by the Economic Development Service.
Ensure all prepared documents and any additional required forms are included in your submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The participant must not have voluntarily ended participation in a similar program in the past.
The participant must be free from any significant debts or legal challenges that could compromise the project.
Participants in the post-startup phase receive technical support for up to one year, even after financial support ceases.
Participants must be willing to work a minimum of 35 hours per week on their startup.
Upon acceptance, a plan d’affaires (business plan) must be submitted and reviewed by a selection committee.
If relocating the project to another geographical area, prior approval from the coordinating body is required.
Financial contribution from the participant of at least 15% of the allocation is required, though it can be in cash or kind.
The possibility to appeal a decision on eligibility through administrative review.
Franchises, licensed enterprises, and certain politically, religiously, or controversially aligned businesses are ineligible.

grant_single_labels|contact

s.thiboutot@mrclislet.com

418-598-3076

Apply to this program

Support for Self-Employed Workers Initiative

The Support for Self-Employed Workers (SSEW) program in the MRC of L'Islet is designed to assist individuals in becoming self-employed by providing financial aid and guidance. Candidates can benefit from support to develop business plans and establish their own businesses or self-employment initiatives.

In-Depth Overview of the Support for Self-Employed Workers Program

The Support for Self-Employed Workers (SSEW) initiative administered by the MRC of L'Islet is a pivotal program aimed at empowering individuals to embark on self-employment journeys. It offers essential financial and technical assistance tailored to foster the entrepreneurial aspirations of eligible candidates. This program serves as a vital resource for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, providing them with the necessary support to venture into self-employment and entrepreneurship. This initiative is particularly beneficial for those receiving employment insurance or social assistance, or for individuals facing precarious employment conditions, as it provides a viable pathway towards financial autonomy.

The objectives of the SSEW program are multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to assist individuals capable of implementing viable business projects and facilitate job creation through the establishment of new enterprises. The program is structured to support the diversification and enhancement of local economies, thereby contributing to strategic economic development within the region. By helping participants gain financial independence, the SSEW program not only boosts local entrepreneurial activities but also addresses broader employment and economic challenges.

Participants in the program are required to show a strong motivation for entrepreneurship, possess relevant skills or experience in their proposed business area, and commit substantial time to the development of their enterprise, dedicating at least 35 hours per week to their start-up efforts. Moreover, they must prepare a written outline of their business concepts, which is instrumental in securing the program’s support. These prerequisites ensure that only serious and well-prepared candidates benefit from the available resources, thereby optimizing the impact of the program’s interventions.

Once candidates are deemed eligible, the SSEW program undertakes an assessment to ensure that proposed projects are not only viable but also cater to the needs of the community without unfairly competing against existing local businesses. This careful evaluation supports the sustainable growth of start-up businesses, aligning them with community needs and economic gaps.

The application process for the SSEW is initiated by contacting the Economic Development Service of the MRC of L'Islet. Under the guidance of the economic development director, Sylvain Thiboutot, applicants can explore their eligibility and start their application journey. The program operates through distinct phases, starting with a preparatory phase focused on business plan development, followed by a start-up phase, and concluding with a post-launch phase to ensure long-term sustainability and growth of the businesses.

In addition to financial aid, the SSEW program provides access to technical advice and networking opportunities that can prove invaluable during the early stages of business development. For participants facing additional barriers, such as disabilities, the program also offers supplementary financial assistance to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity for all aspiring entrepreneurs.

Overall, the SSEW program is an invaluable initiative aimed at fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship in the MRC of L'Islet. By offering comprehensive support to eligible candidates, it not only aims to drive economic growth at the local level but also to empower individuals towards achieving economic independence and professional fulfillment through entrepreneurship.

MRC L'Islet — Support for self-employed workers (SSEW)

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