Support for self-employment
Overview
If you are receiving employment insurance benefits or benefits from a last-resort financial assistance program, you may be eligible for financial support and technical advice to develop a business plan and start your own business or create your own job.
At a glance
Funding available
- Start a business
- Up to 85% of project cost
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Quebec
- Sole proprietorship
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Startups
Next Steps
Availability timeline
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible types of companies for this grant include individuals receiving employment insurance, social assistance recipients, unemployed individuals without public income support, and workers with precarious status.
- Individuals receiving employment insurance
- Social assistance recipients
- Unemployed individuals without public income support
- Workers with precarious status
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant, including:
- An employment assistance allowance equivalent to the minimum wage in Quebec for 35 hours per week
- Childcare expenses, if applicable
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The candidate must demonstrate motivation to become an entrepreneur, possess relevant experience or skills, present a written draft of the business project, and commit to working on the business startup for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
- Demonstrate motivation to become an entrepreneur.
- Possess relevant experience or skills.
- Present a written draft of the business project.
- Commit to working on the business startup for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
How to apply
- Step 1: Fill out the service application
- Access the online site to fill out the employment assistance service application form.
- Print the PDF form titled "Service Request (3003-01)" if you prefer a physical submission.
- Step 2: Prepare the required documents
- Gather a government-issued photo ID.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit your application online through the designated portal.
- For a physical submission, bring the completed form and necessary documents to a Services Québec office.
- Mail the application if necessary.
Additional information
The Support for Self-Employment program has been suspended as of May 1, 2024. Other employment assistance programs may be available for those seeking help.
- Assistance aimed at supporting participants accepted before May 1, 2024, will continue for the duration of their participation.
- Individuals may be eligible for other employment assistance programs to help find and integrate into a job.
- An online application is available for employment assistance services, including evaluation interviews and checking eligibility for programs.
- An alternative application method involves filling out a PDF form and submitting it to a local Services Québec office, either in person or by post.
- For more information regarding available programs, contacting a local Services Québec office is recommended.