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Self-Employ PEI

Q: How much funding can be received?

Self-Employ PEI Funds up to 1000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Self-Employ PEI a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self-Employ PEI is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employ PEI?

Self-Employ PEI is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island, Skills PEI

Q: 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.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employ PEI?

You can contact Government of Prince Edward Island by email at skillspei@gov.pe.ca or by phone at 902-368-6290.

Q: Where is the Self-Employ PEI available?

The Self-Employ PEI program is available the province of Prince Edward Island.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Self-Employ PEI program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Self-Employ PEI program.

Last Update: December 3, 2025

PE, Canada

Supports unemployed individuals to start their own businesses

Expert Advice

Skills PEI

Government of Prince Edward Island

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

No objectives are currently available

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

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

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.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Establishing a sustainable bakery specializing in organic breads and pastries

$ 60,000

Creating a repair and refurbish service for electronics, focusing on smartphones

$ 85,000

Establishing a microbrewery focused on local, organic ingredients

$ 110,000

Launching a mobile app development company focusing on health and wellness

$ 80,000

Opening a cooperative retail store selling locally crafted goods

$ 75,000

Starting a social enterprise repurposing electronic waste into educational kits

Eligibility

The applicant must be an unemployed individual seeking full-time employment.
The applicant must be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
The applicant must have a current or recent Employment Insurance (EI) claim (current EI claim, an EI claim that ended within the last 60 months, or have paid EI premiums in at least 5 of the last 10 years without receiving a refund).
The business must not have started operations before program approval.
The business plan must demonstrate potential for long-term viability.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

skillspei@gov.pe.ca

902-368-6290

PE, Canada

Apply to this program

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.