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Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion

Q: Who is eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program?

To be eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program, you must: The applicant and their business proposal must meet program criteria. The business must not be started before program approval and contract signing.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?

You can contact Government of New Brunswick by email at PETLworkingNBMiramichi@gnb.ca.

Q: Where is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion available?

The Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program is available the province of New Brunswick.

Q: Is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?

Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion is funded by Government of New Brunswick, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (NB)

Last Update: March 4, 2026

New Brunswick, Canada

Financing for New Brunswick business start-ups

Other Support

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (NB)

Government of New Brunswick

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop employee skills

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 9, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

New Brunswick

Legal structures

Sole proprietorship

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Canadians
Startups

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:

$ 60,000

Develop a tech hub to support local startups

$ 60,000

Establish a coding bootcamp to enhance local tech skills

$ 130,000

Set up a recycling plant for electronic waste

$ 45,000

Launch an eco-friendly clothing line with locally sourced materials

$ 100,000

Create a mobile health clinic to serve remote communities

$ 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

Preliminary Assessment

Check eligibility criteria specific to the New Brunswick services grant.
Gather necessary information about your organization and project scope.

Registration

Visit the Government of New Brunswick's grant application portal.
Create a user account with your organizational details.

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.

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.

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

Apply to this program

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.