Self-Employment Assistance

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Self-Employment Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self-Employment Assistance is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employment Assistance?

Self-Employment Assistance is funded by Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour (NL)

Q: Who is eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance program?

To be eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance program, you must: • Businesses, organizations, municipalities, band/tribal councils, public health and educational institutions are eligible to receive funding as Self-Employment Assistance Coordinators.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Assistance?

You can contact Government of Newfoundland and Labrador or by phone at 1-800-563-6600.

Q: Where is the Self-Employment Assistance available?

The Self-Employment Assistance program is available the province of NL.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Self-Employment Assistance program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NL, Canada

Funding to support self-employment job creation

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Assistance for Newfoundland and Labrador employment insurance (EI)-eligible individuals to start a business.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers financial assistance to enable unemployed individuals to start their own businesses and provides support to organizations coordinating this assistance.

Two types of financial support are available: continued Employment Insurance benefits or a living allowance for eligible individuals whose benefit period has expired.
Additional financial support may cover costs such as dependent care, disability needs, transportation, and accommodation in exceptional circumstances.
The agreement duration for individuals receiving support can last up to 52 weeks, and it extends to 78 weeks for individuals with a disability.

Activities funded

This grant offers financial and entrepreneurial assistance to help unemployed individuals start their own business, providing a pathway to self-employment. The program also designates organizations as coordinators to support the process.

Creating a business plan and starting a self-owned business for unemployed individuals.
Providing coordination services by eligible organizations to assist individuals in becoming self-employed.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 15,000

Establishment of a community center for underprivileged families

$ 16,000

Start a social enterprise providing home care services

$ 16,000

Establishing an art gallery focusing on indigenous art

$ 16,000

Develop a non-profit educational program for children with disabilities

$ 14,000

Launch of a bakery specializing in gluten-free products

$ 10,000

Opening a coworking space focused on environmental startups

Eligibility

Your organization may be eligible to receive funding as a Self-Employment Assistance Coordinator if it fulfills certain criteria.

Your organization must be a business, municipality, band/tribal council, or a public health or educational institution.

Who is eligible?

The Self-Employment Assistance program is designed for individuals who are currently unemployed and meet specific criteria related to Employment Insurance (EI), as well as organizations that can act as coordinators for the program. Specific eligibility for individuals includes:- Current Employment Insurance claimants.- Unemployed individuals whose benefit period has been established or ended within the last 60 months.For organizations, eligible entities include businesses, organizations, municipalities, band/tribal councils, and public health and educational institutions.

Who is not eligible

This grant opportunity, as outlined, does not specify any exclusions for certain types of companies or industries based on their status or primary activities. Eligibility criteria are focused on linking individuals and organizations to self-employment assistance rather than excluding specific types.

Eligible expenses

The Self-Employment Assistance program supports individuals and organizations in creating opportunities for self-employment. Eligible projects focus on facilitating the establishment of small businesses and supporting entrepreneurial growth.

Financial and entrepreneurial assistance for individuals starting their own business.
Coordination and support services provided by organizations for the self-employment program.
Provision of living allowances in certain circumstances during the self-employment initiative.
Coverage of participation-related costs such as dependent care and transportation.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is provided by the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, which generally oversees programs within provincial jurisdictions rather than specifying particular geographical areas. Therefore, eligible geographical locations are not explicitly mentioned in the provided details.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Self-Employment Assistance grant in Canada.

Demonstrated financial need and feasibility of the business idea
Ability to create sustainable self-employment
Commitment to developing and implementing a viable business plan
Clear understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the program
Alignment with program goals and objectives

How to apply

Complete the Request for Service Form

Download and fill out the Request for Service Form available on the program’s website.
Ensure all fields are filled accurately with the required personal information.

Develop Employment Plan

Visit a local Employment Centre to develop your personalized employment plan.
Work with an employment counsellor to outline your business idea and self-employment goals.

Submit Application

Submit your completed Request for Service Form and employment plan to the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
Ensure submission is made through the proper channels as indicated by the department, either online or in-person at an Employment Centre.
Confirm submission date as it serves as your qualification date for assistance.

Application Review

The department will review your application for eligibility and completeness.
Be available for any follow-up communication required by the department to support your application.

Receive Decision

Wait for the decision regarding your application from the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
If approved, follow any further instructions provided regarding initiating your self-employment agreement.

Additional information

Additional considerations and useful details regarding the Self-Employment Assistance program include:

Individuals should maintain regular communication with their assigned local Employment Centre advisor to better align their personal business objectives with program resources.
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of any offered entrepreneurial training and workshops that can complement their business knowledge.
The success of an application can be potentially bolstered by demonstrating a clear understanding of market research and business viability.
Participants with disabilities may be eligible for extended benefits and should inquire about tailored support services.
While in the program, participants are encouraged to network with other entrepreneurs within the Self-Employment Assistance framework to foster community support and mentorship opportunities.

Contacts

1-800-563-6600

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Assistance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self-Employment Assistance. 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.