Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- No Condition
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Nova Scotia
- Sole proprietorship
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
- Startups
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.
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
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.
