Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)
NS, Canada
Training for unemployed workers to start a business in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Employment Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects or activities eligible for this grant include:
- Creation of a new business idea that has the potential to provide a full-time income.
- Development and implementation of a sustainable self-employment plan.
- Participation in mandatory workshops, coaching, and training to support the business idea.
- Monthly reporting of self-employment progress.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$12,000
Halifax
Start a sustainable urban farming business in Halifax.
$10,000
Vancouver
Develop an eco-tourism service in Vancouver.
$15,000
Toronto
Launch a mobile app development startup in Toronto.
$14,000
Ottawa
Start a women's health and wellness center in Ottawa.
$12,000
Montreal
Open a zero-waste grocery store in Montreal.
$11,000
Calgary
Establish a digital marketing consultancy in Calgary.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Self Employment Program in Nova Scotia supports eligible unemployed individuals to start their own businesses by providing entrepreneurial support and financial assistance. The eligibility criteria for this program include being unemployed, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a resident of Nova Scotia, having a business idea, and meeting specific LMDA eligibility requirements.
- Must be unemployed
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident legally entitled to work in Canada
- Must be a resident of Nova Scotia
- Need to earn full-time employment income
- Must have been attached to the labor force for a minimum of 24 months
- Must have a business idea
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Self Employment Program in Nova Scotia supports unemployed individuals who want to create their own sustainable businesses. Eligible types of companies for this grant include startups with viable business ideas, individuals who have been unemployed for a minimum of 3 months, and those who are committed to full-time entrepreneurship.
- Startups with innovative business ideas
- Individuals who have been unemployed for at least 3 months
- Entrepreneurs committed to full-time self-employment
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include financial assistance for dependent care, disability needs, tuition costs, transportation, and accommodation.
- Dependent care
- Disability needs
- Tuition costs
- Transportation
- Accommodation
grant_single_labels|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)
grant_single_labels|register
- Contact an employment service provider (Nova Scotia Works Centre, ISANS, or Pheonix) for an eligibility assessment for the Self Employment Program.
- Complete an employment assessment and develop a Return-to-Work Action Plan with a Case Manager if found eligible.
- If eligible, the Case Manager will refer you to a Self Employment Coordinator for further assessment and support.
- The Self Employment Coordinator will assess the eligibility of your business idea under the program.
- If your idea is eligible, prepare and submit a program application to Employment Nova Scotia.
- Employment Nova Scotia will review your application and if approved, you will enter into a funding agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-877-223-0888
Apply to this program
Self Employment Program Grant Summary
Exploring the Self Employment Program in Nova Scotia
The Self Employment (SE) Program in Nova Scotia offers entrepreneurial support and financial assistance to eligible unemployed individuals seeking to establish their own sustainable business. The program aims to provide crucial resources, mentorship, and guidance to help participants develop and implement their business ideas.
Eligibility criteria include being unemployed, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a resident of Nova Scotia, having a viable business idea, and meeting specific LMDA eligibility requirements. The program features two streams catering to individuals actively seeking employment opportunities and those choosing self-employment as a career path without seeking traditional employment.
Participants can expect 40 weeks of full-time engagement in the program, mandatory entrepreneurial training, monthly progress reporting, and tailored support based on individual circumstances, including accommodations for persons with disabilities. Successful applicants can receive financial assistance for living expenses and business-related costs, making the SE Program a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in becoming a self-employed entrepreneur in Nova Scotia, consider exploring the Self Employment Program to kickstart your business journey.
