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Source verified June 19, 2026
Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs
Free startup support for women entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: April 27, 2026Latest change: The SEA program page now includes expanded eligibility, requirements, reporting, and contact details for applicants.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Latest change: The SEA program page now includes expanded eligibility, requirements, reporting, and contact details for applicants.
SEA Program details updated
The SEA program content has been expanded with clearer eligibility and participation requirements, including the 35-hour weekly commitment, the non-incorporation condition, and the personal investment expectation. It also now explains the 10-week development phase and 42-week implementation phase in more detail, along with monthly reporting expectations and contact directions for Start-Up Advisors. The page also adds a program-specific contact path through the staff directory and a link to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador SEA program page. The core audience and overall purpose remain the same, but the application guidance is more detailed than before.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
September 30, 2024
Opened July 1, 2024
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Overview
The program provides free support for women in Newfoundland and Labrador who want to start a business. It includes business plan counselling, market research guidance, financing support, and access to the Self-Employment Assistance program.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business start-up support for new businesses.
- Business plan development and implementation.
- Entrepreneurial support from a Start-Up Business Advisor.
Documents Needed
- SEA Application Checklist.
- SEA Information Flyer.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unemployed individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Women interested in starting a business.
- EI-eligible applicants.
Eligible expenses
- Funding support for starting a business.
- Personal investment in cash or in-kind contributions may be required.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Advertising the business before approval for the Implementation Phase.
- Starting a business that is already incorporated.
- Quitting a current job may affect eligibility.
Eligible geographic areas
- Newfoundland and Labrador.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program focus on ensuring the viability and sustainability of the proposed business ventures.
- Completeness and feasibility of the business plan.
- Commitment to working full-time to develop and implement the business plan.
- Potential for economic contribution within Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Clarity in identifying and addressing training needs and business development strategies.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact a Business Start-up Advisor
- Reach out to the advisor in your region for eligibility assessment and guidance.
- Step 2: Complete the assessment and application process
- Work with NLOWE through the assessment phase and submit the required application information.
- Step 3: Follow the program review process
- If approved, complete the required business plan phase and submit it for review by a NLOWE SEA Coordinator.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are supported by NLOWE through the assessment and application process.
- If approved, participants complete a 10-week business plan phase.
- The business plan is reviewed by a NLOWE SEA Coordinator.
- Participants may then be recommended for additional support.
- Monthly reports are required during the implementation phase.
Additional information
- Start-up services are free of charge.
- Participants may receive post-approval support.
- The program can provide support for up to 52 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs Program
What is the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs?
The program provides free support for women in Newfoundland and Labrador who want to start a business. It includes business plan counselling, market research guidance, financing support, and access to the Self-Employment Assistance program.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 30, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs program?
To be eligible for the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs program, you must:
Unemployed and EI-eligible.
Resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Preliminary business concept required.
What expenses are eligible under Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs?
Business start-up support for new businesses.
Business plan development and implementation.
Entrepreneurial support from a Start-Up Business Advisor.
Who can I contact for more information about the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs?
You can contact Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs.
Where is the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs available?
The Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs program is available the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Is the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs is a Grant and Funding