
Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion
Last Update: July 28, 2025
NB, Canada
Financing for New Brunswick business start-ups
Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
Financing Type
Other Support
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
- Government of New Brunswick
- Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (NB)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program
Get financial assistance at a provincially-established rate, as well as other types of support during the initial development phase of your business, including coaching and ongoing technical advice.
Eligible projects & activities
- Launching a new business to create self-employment opportunities for unemployed individuals.
- Developing a comprehensive business plan with professional support and guidance.
- Participating in business coaching and mentorship tailored to individual business needs.
- Receiving ongoing technical advice during the initial phase of establishing a new business venture.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 130,000
Set up a recycling plant for electronic waste
$ 100,000
Create a mobile health clinic to serve remote communities
$ 60,000
Develop a tech hub to support local startups
$ 45,000
Launch an eco-friendly clothing line with locally sourced materials
$ 60,000
Establish a coding bootcamp to enhance local tech skills
$ 35,000
Establish a community garden to provide affordable fresh produce
Eligibility criteria of the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program
- The applicant must be an unemployed individual seeking to start a new business.
- Both the applicant and their business proposal must meet provincially established program criteria.
- The business must not be started before official program approval and the signing of a contract.
Eligible expenses
- Writing and development costs.
- Creation of presentation materials.
- Option fees for underlying rights.
- Expert scriptwriting services, including head writer services.
- Preliminary studies and research.
- Animation services.
- Travel expenses related to studies or meetings with national or international partner producers.
- Printing and assembling costs for project materials.
- Independent legal fees.
- Producer fees.
- Company overhead directly related to the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick
- Miramichi
- Kent
- Péninsule acadienne
- Caraquet
- Restigouche
- Chaleur
- Campbellton
- Fredericton
- Northwest New Brunswick
- Edmundston
- Southeast New Brunswick
- Dieppe
- Southwest New Brunswick
- Saint John
Eligibility criteria of the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program
- The applicant’s strengths and needs as analyzed by the Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator.
- Assessment of whether self-employment is a viable option for the applicant.
- Evaluation of the business plan by a committee according to provincially established program criteria.
How to apply to the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program
1
Preliminary Assessment
- Check eligibility criteria specific to the New Brunswick services grant.
- Gather necessary information about your organization and project scope.
2
Registration
- Visit the Government of New Brunswick's grant application portal.
- Create a user account with your organizational details.
3
Application Preparation
- Complete an application form with organizational information and project details.
- Develop a detailed project proposal cover key objectives and expected outcomes.
- Prepare required supporting documents, such as financial statements, project plans, and letters of recommendation.
4
Application Submission
- Upload completed application form and all supporting documents onto the online portal.
- Review the submission for accuracy and completeness before sending.
- Submit the application through the portal by the specified deadline.
5
Acknowledgment
- Receive an acknowledgment email confirming receipt of your application with a reference number.
- Save the acknowledgment email for future reference and tracking.
Additional information
- Coaching support is customized to the unique needs of each participant, including topics such as business plan development, accounting, and marketing.
- Program services are delivered in collaboration with non-profit, private, and/or public organizations in accordance with the New Brunswick Public Purchasing Act.
- Applicants must not commence business operations before receiving formal written approval and signing a contract.
- Official entry into the program is confirmed only upon receipt of a Letter of Offer from the Department.
Contact Government of New Brunswick
PETLworkingNBMiramichi@gnb.ca

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