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Source verified July 12, 2026
Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)
Support for unemployed entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Self Employment helps eligible unemployed individuals in Nova Scotia build sustainable self-employment through entrepreneurial support and financial assistance. It includes orientation, workshops, coaching, mentoring, business training, and support for planning and start-up of their business.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Planning and start-up of a business
- Orientation, workshops, coaching, and mentoring
- Specific business training, including some mandatory training
- Developing and implementing a business idea
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unemployed individuals.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents legally entitled to work in Canada who are residents of Nova Scotia.
- Applicants who need to earn full-time employment income.
- Applicants who have been attached to the labour force for a minimum of 24 months and have a business idea.
- Applicants who are LMDA eligible by meeting one of these criteria: a current Employment Insurance (EI) claim, an EI claim that ended within the last 60 months, or gross insurable earnings of $2000 or higher annually in at least 5 of the last 10 years.
Who is not eligible
- People planning to enroll in an educational institution full-time.
- Former participants in the Self Employment Program within the past 4 years.
- People who have already started their business.
Eligible expenses
- Dependent care
- Disability needs
- Tuition costs
- Transportation
- Accommodation
How to apply
- Contact an employment service provider such as Nova Scotia Works Centre, ISANS, or Pheonix for guidance on the Self Employment Program process.
- Meet with an employment service provider to have your eligibility assessed for the program.
- Complete an employment assessment and develop a Return-to-Work Action Plan with a Case Manager.
- If you are eligible, your Case Manager will refer you to a Self Employment Coordinator for further assessment and entrepreneurial supports.
- If you and your self employment idea are eligible, your Case Manager will help you prepare and submit a program application to Employment Nova Scotia.
- Employment Nova Scotia will review the application, and if approved, you will enter into a funding agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- Employment Nova Scotia will review the application in its role as administrator of the Self Employment Program in Nova Scotia.
- If approved, you will enter into a funding agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration - Employment Nova Scotia.
- Monthly reporting of self-employment progress is required to continue receiving financial assistance.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) Program
What is the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)?
Self Employment helps eligible unemployed individuals in Nova Scotia build sustainable self-employment through entrepreneurial support and financial assistance. It includes orientation, workshops, coaching, mentoring, business training, and support for planning and start-up of their business.
Who is eligible for the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program?
To be eligible for the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program, you must:
The business idea must be assessed as eligible by the Self-Employment Coordinator.
The business idea must have the potential to provide a full-time income and an average hourly rate of earnings of minimum wage or more.
What expenses are eligible under Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)?
Planning and start-up of a business
Orientation, workshops, coaching, and mentoring
Specific business training, including some mandatory training
Developing and implementing a business idea
Who can I contact for more information about the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia or by phone at 1-877-223-0888.
Where is the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) available?
The Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)?
Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Employment Nova Scotia