
Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion
Last Update: July 28, 2025
NB, Canada
Financing for New Brunswick business start-ups
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
Program status
Open
Overview
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.
Activities funded
- 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
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
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.
Contacts
PETLworkingNBMiramichi@gnb.ca
NB, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion. 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.
What is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
Who is eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
Where is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion available?
Are startups eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program?
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