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

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is only available to companies that are established within the province of Quebec, Canada. Eligible geographical locations must align with the plan of action for local economy and employment and fall within the predefined territories of Quebec.

• Companies located within the geographical territory of Quebec.
• Businesses outlined in the local economic action plans under Quebec's jurisdiction.

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.