Open
Source verified March 4, 2026
Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion
Financing for New Brunswick business start-ups
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened July 9, 2024
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Official resources
Eligibility
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
- Step 1: Meet with Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator
- Contact the local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator in your area.
- Attend a meeting to discuss your business idea and have your strengths and needs assessed.
- Receive a recommendation on your suitability for self-employment.
- Step 2: Prepare Application and Business Plan
- If recommended, work with the Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to complete the official application form.
- Prepare a business plan outlining your proposed venture.
- Step 3: Submit Application and Business Plan
- Present your completed application and business plan to the review committee for evaluation according to program criteria.
- Step 4: Await Approval Decision
- Wait for written approval of your application from the Department.
- Step 5: Sign Contract
- If approved, sign the contract as per the Self-Employment Benefit Program requirements.
- Step 6: Receive Letter of Offer
- Receive an official Letter of Offer indicating acceptance into the program.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion Program
What is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
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.
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.
What expenses are eligible under Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion?
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.
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.
Where is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion available?
The Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion program is available the province of New Brunswick.
Is the Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion is a Other Support
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)