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
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
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
Selection criteria
- The business plan must demonstrate the potential for long-term viability.
- Submission of a detailed business plan.
- Provision of proof of investment or financing.
How to apply
1
Attend Information Session
- Register for an information session on the Self Employ PEI program using the registration button provided on the website.
- Ensure you receive a Microsoft Teams invitation for the session by the end of Thursday prior to your scheduled session.
- Participate in the session conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams every Friday from 10 am to 11 am.
2
Meet with a Program Officer/Case Manager
- After the information session, schedule a meeting with a Program Officer/Case Manager.
- Complete a needs assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan during the meeting.
3
Preparing Your Application
- Fill out the Self Employ Suitability Assessment questionnaire.
- Complete the Self Employ PEI Application for Funding form.
- Prepare a detailed business plan demonstrating potential for long-term viability.
- Gather proof of investment or financing.
- Prepare and update your resume.
4
Submit Application
- Submit the entire application package including the business plan and proof of financing to SkillsPEI.
- Ensure that you receive confirmation of the application's approval before starting your business.
5
Program Participation
- After receiving approval, commence your business operations.
- Devote a minimum of 35 hours each week to implement your business plan.
- Receive weekly living allowance, EI benefits, or a combination, along with a possible $1,000 consulting grant during the first year.
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
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