grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail trade
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
  • Government of Prince Edward Island
  • Skills PEI
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

Job seekers who want to launch their own businesses may apply to receive a weekly allowance or employment insurance (EI) benefits, or combination of both.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Self Employ PEI program supports new entrepreneurs with financial aid and business counseling to help them establish their businesses. Eligible activities include launching various types of businesses with a focus on long-term viability.
  • Manufacturing
  • Food and beverage
  • Information technology
  • Trades
  • Retail
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$70,000

Vancouver
Establishing a sustainable bakery specializing in organic breads and pastries in Vancouver.

$110,000

Toronto
Launching a mobile app development company focusing on health and wellness in Toronto.

$75,000

Montreal
Starting a social enterprise repurposing electronic waste into educational kits in Montreal.

$85,000

Calgary
Establishing a microbrewery focused on local, organic ingredients in Calgary.

$60,000

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

$80,000

Ottawa
Opening a cooperative retail store selling locally crafted goods in Ottawa.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant is aimed at unemployed individuals looking to launch their own business, offering financial support and business counselling during the initial year of operation.
  • Must be unemployed and seeking full-time employment
  • Legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
  • Current claim for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
  • Previous EI claim whose benefit period ended within the last 60 months
  • Unemployed and paid EI premiums in at least 5 of the last 10 years without qualifying for a refund
  • Business must not have started prior to program approval

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Self Employ PEI program offers funding to various types of businesses to ensure long-term viability. Eligible businesses include the following sectors:
  • Manufacturing
  • Food and Beverage
  • Information Technology
  • Trades
  • Retail

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant.
  • Salaries for new hires
  • Employee training costs
  • Research and development expenses

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are the regions in Prince Edward Island.
  • Charlottetown
  • Summerside
  • Montague
  • West Prince

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
  • Evaluation Criteria 1: Innovation and Impact
  • Evaluation Criteria 2: Project Feasibility
  • Evaluation Criteria 3: Organizational Capacity
  • Selection Criteria 1: Alignment with Grant Objectives
  • Selection Criteria 2: Clear and Realistic Budget

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Attend an Information Session. Register for the session by clicking on the Self Employ PEI Information Session Registration button and ensure to submit your registration. You will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation email to join the session.
  • Step 2: After the Information Session, set up a meeting with a Program Officer/Case Manager to complete a needs assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan.
  • Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents for the application, including the Self Employ Suitability Assessment questionnaire, Self Employ PEI Application for Funding, a detailed business plan, proof of investment or financing, and your resume.
  • Step 4: Submit the Self Employ PEI Application for Individuals with the required documents and business plan to SkillsPEI for review.
  • Step 5: Wait for confirmation from SkillsPEI that your application has been approved. If approved, you may proceed with opening your new business.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant aims to support new entrepreneurs in Prince Edward Island by offering financial aid and business counseling in their first year of operation. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and additional criteria apply.
  • The program is aimed at unemployed individuals seeking full-time employment.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada and meet specific EI benefit criteria.
  • Applicants must attend an information session and assessment meeting before applying.
  • Different SkillsPEI offices are available for assistance across Prince Edward Island.
  • Applicants can receive a weekly living allowance or EI benefits, and may be eligible for a $1,000 consulting grant.
  • There's no deadline for applications, but the business must not be operational before program approval.

grant_single_labels|contact

902-368-6290
Apply to this program