Open
Self-Employ PEI
Supports unemployed individuals to start their own businesses
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
Self Employ PEI is a government program providing financial support and business counselling for unemployed job seekers in Prince Edward Island looking to start their own business. Participants receive a weekly living allowance and may be eligible for a $1,000 consulting grant during their first year of business, supporting activities such as business plan development and business launch across various sectors.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching and operating a new business across various sectors, including manufacturing, food and beverage, information technology, trades, and retail.
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive business plan for a startup venture.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Manufacturing
- Food and beverage
- Information technology
- Trades
- Retail
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant due to specific criteria. Eligibility restrictions may include:
- Financial institutions
- Gambling establishments
- Non-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Weekly living allowance or Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the entrepreneur during the first year of business operation.
- Consulting fees, up to a maximum of $1,000, for business development support.
Eligible geographic areas
- Prince Edward Island
Additional information
- Information sessions for the program are held remotely via Microsoft Teams or telephone every Friday, except on statutory holidays.
- The deadline to register for an information session is noon the day before the session.
- Resources such as business plan templates and financial proformas are available to applicants.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with no fixed deadline.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employ PEI Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self-Employ PEI. 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 Self-Employ PEI?
Self Employ PEI is a government program providing financial support and business counselling for unemployed job seekers in Prince Edward Island looking to start their own business. Participants receive a weekly living allowance and may be eligible for a $1,000 consulting grant during their first year of business, supporting activities such as business plan development and business launch across various sectors.
How much funding can be received?
Self-Employ PEI Funds up to $1,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Self-Employ PEI program?
To be eligible for the Self-Employ PEI program, you must:
The business must not have started operations prior to program approval.
The business plan must demonstrate potential for long-term viability.
What expenses are eligible under Self-Employ PEI?
Launching and operating a new business across various sectors, including manufacturing, food and beverage, information technology, trades, and retail.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive business plan for a startup venture.
Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employ PEI?
You can contact Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) by email at skillspei@gov.pe.ca or by phone at 902-368-6290.
Where is the Self-Employ PEI available?
The Self-Employ PEI program is available the province of Prince Edward Island.
Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employ PEI?
Self-Employ PEI is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Skills PEI
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