Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) is a Grant and Funding

Q: 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

Q: 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 have the potential to provide a full-time income and an average hourly rate of earnings of minimum wage or more.

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) available?

The Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Training for unemployed workers to start a business in Nova Scotia

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

If you are receiving employment insurance benefits, you may be eligible for financial and business assistance to develop a business plan and start your own business or create your own job.

Activities funded

The Self Employment Program in Nova Scotia encourages entrepreneurial endeavours by offering support for developing and launching new business ideas. It focuses on activities that require full-time dedication to planning and establishing new businesses that comply with income standards.

Developing a comprehensive business plan under the guidance of a Self Employment Coordinator.
Participating in mandatory business training and workshops provided by the program.
Engaging in coaching and mentoring sessions to refine and implement business ideas.
Full-time commitment to start and grow a sustainable business for a 40-week program period.
Monthly progress reporting on business development and entrepreneurial activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 14,000

Start a women's health and wellness center

$ 10,000

Develop an eco-tourism service

$ 12,000

Start a sustainable urban farming business

$ 15,000

Launch a mobile app development startup

$ 11,000

Establish a digital marketing consultancy

$ 12,000

Open a zero-waste grocery store

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for company involvement in this grant are linked to the evaluation of the business idea by the Self-Employment Coordinator.

The business idea must demonstrate potential to provide a full-time income and produce an average hourly rate of earnings of minimum wage or more.
The business idea must be feasible and viable as assessed by the Self-Employment Coordinator.

Who is eligible?

The Self Employment Program is open to individuals who are unemployed and meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria include being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident legally entitled to work in Canada, residing in Nova Scotia, needing to earn a full-time employment income, having been attached to the labour force for a minimum of 24 months, and having a business idea. Additionally, applicants must be LMDA eligible, which can be determined through various criteria related to Employment Insurance (EI) claims and previous employment earnings.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the Self Employment Program grant in Nova Scotia:

Companies planning to enroll in an educational institution full-time
Former participants in the Self Employment Program within the past 4 years
Companies that have already started their business

Eligible expenses

The Self Employment (SE) Program in Nova Scotia aims to assist eligible unemployed individuals in creating their own sustainable jobs through self-employment. It includes entrepreneurial support and potentially financial assistance to help with business planning and start-up.

Entrepreneurial support through orientation, workshops, coaching, and mentoring.
Access to specific business training, including mandatory sessions for business development.
Financial assistance for eligible costs such as dependent care, disability needs, tuition costs, transportation, and accommodation.
Provision of a weekly living allowance for participants in Stream 1.
Continuation of Employment Insurance benefits for eligible participants in both streams.
Monthly reporting of self-employment progress as part of the program requirements.
Development and implementation of a business idea that has the potential to provide a full-time income.

Eligible geographic areas

This program is available to individuals who are residents of a specific geographical area. The eligible geographical area is defined to ensure that applicants are located within the region served by the program.

Residents of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Self Employment Program grant in Nova Scotia. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as employment status, business idea viability, and commitment to full-time participation.

Employment status (unemployed)
Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
Residency in Nova Scotia
Business idea feasibility
Ability to earn full-time income
Attachment to the labor force for a minimum of 24 months
LMDA eligibility (meeting specific criteria)

How to apply

Initial Contact

Contact an employment service provider, such as Nova Scotia Works Centre, ISANS, or Pheonix, for guidance and information about the Self Employment Program process.

Eligibility Assessment

Meet with an employment service provider to assess your eligibility for the SE Program.
Complete an employment assessment.
Develop a Return-to-Work Action Plan with a Case Manager.

Referral and Business Idea Assessment

If eligible, get referred to a Self Employment Coordinator for further assessment.
Have your business idea assessed by the Self Employment Coordinator to ensure it meets program criteria.

Application Preparation and Submission

With the assistance of your Case Manager, prepare a program application to Employment Nova Scotia.
Submit the application to Employment Nova Scotia.

Application Review and Agreement

Wait for Employment Nova Scotia to review your application.
If approved, enter into a funding agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration - Employment Nova Scotia.

Additional information

Participants should be aware of several logistical and operational details linked to the Self Employment Program.

The program is designed to support the development of business ideas that can generate an income equivalent to at least minimum wage with full-time effort.
Mandatory training is required and participants are expected to engage fully, dedicating at least 35 hours a week to their business development.
The program duration is typically 40 weeks but can be extended up to 52 weeks for individuals with disabilities, allowing for part-time participation.
Participants must engage with an employment service provider for eligibility assessment and program access.
Continued financial support is contingent upon monthly progress reporting of the business development.

Contacts

1-877-223-0888

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia). 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.