How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects or activities eligible for the grant must be viable, meet a local need, and not create unfair competition with similar businesses in the same area.

Viable business ideas that address a specific local need
Projects that do not create unfair competition with existing businesses
Entrepreneurial ventures with a clear plan for sustainability

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$25,000

Launch a mobile pet grooming service to cater to busy pet owners

$30,000

Open a community-supported bakery to provide affordable artisan bread

$30,000

Start an eco-friendly cleaning service to promote green household practices

$70,000

Establish a digital literacy training center for senior citizens

$50,000

Set up a local fresh produce delivery service to support local farmers

$35,000

Create an art therapy program for mental health support

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for the Soutien au travail autonome program are:

Must be a recipient of employment insurance, social assistance, unemployed without public income support, or in a precarious work situation.
Must demonstrate motivation to become an entrepreneur, possess relevant experience or skills, and present a written draft of the business project.
Must commit to working on starting the business for a minimum of 35 hours per week.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|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

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant does not specify eligible geographic zones explicitly in the provided context. Therefore, it can be inferred that there are no particular geographic restrictions mentioned for eligibility.

nothing

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Fill out the online application for employment services to request an evaluation interview and employment assistance or advice. This step is crucial to initiate the process of applying for the grant.
Step 2: Verify your eligibility for the program or any employment assistance measures provided. This involves checking if you meet the specific criteria as outlined in the eligibility section of the grant.
Step 3: Submit your application by either completing and printing the PDF form "Demande de services (3003-01)" or visiting a Services Québec office with the filled form and necessary identification. This is the final step to formally apply for the support program.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|documents

Support for self-employment

grant_single_labels|contact

1-877-767-8773

Apply to this program

Summary of the Grant

The Self-Employment Support program has been suspended as of May 1, 2024. It offered assistance in the form of coaching, technical advice, and financial support for eligible individuals looking to start a business, with existing participants continuing to receive financial aid for the duration of their engagement.

Detailed Explanation of the Grant

The Self-Employment Support (SEA) program, a cornerstone initiative by the Quebec government, aimed to offer comprehensive support to individuals aspiring to create their own businesses. However, this grant program has been suspended temporarily starting May 1, 2024. In this detailed section, we will delve into the various aspects of this grant, including its purpose, benefits, eligibility criteria, administrative processes, impact, and future alternatives for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Purpose and Objectives

The Self-Employment Support program was designed to bolster entrepreneurial activities within the province of Quebec. Its primary objectives were to encourage self-sufficiency, stimulate economic growth by fostering small businesses, and reduce unemployment by providing substantial support to those seeking to start their own enterprises. Through mentoring, technical assistance, and financial aid, the program aimed to lower barriers to entrepreneurship and create a nurturing environment for new businesses to thrive.

Scope and Benefits

The SEA program provided a multifaceted support system for its participants. Key benefits included:

Coaching and Mentoring: Participants received personalized mentoring from experienced business advisors, who offered guidance on business planning, market research, and strategic development.
Technical Support: The program facilitated access to technical experts who could help with specialized needs such as legal advice, accounting, and technology infrastructure.
Financial Assistance: Financial aid was provided to help cover essential business start-up costs, ensuring that participants could focus on the growth and development of their ventures without immediate financial stress.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants needed to meet specific criteria to qualify for the SEA program. These included:

Being a resident of Quebec.
Having a viable business idea with a clear plan for execution.
Demonstrating a need for financial assistance and an inability to access other forms of funding.
Committing to the full duration of the program, which typically spanned one to two years, dependent on the business's progress and specific needs.

Application Process

Applicants could apply online by filling out the service request form or by submitting a hard copy via mail or in-person at a Service Québec office. The application required detailed information about the business concept, anticipated expenses, market analysis, and a personal financial statement. Individuals accepted into the program before the suspension date of May 1, 2024, would continue to receive financial support for the duration of their participation.

Impact on the Business Community

The SEA program played a significant role in Quebec’s economic landscape. Several successful local businesses owe their inception and early growth to this program. By lowering the financial and administrative barriers to starting a business, it allowed many individuals to transition from unemployment or underemployment to becoming successful business owners, thereby contributing to job creation and economic diversity within the province.

Suspension and Future Directions

As of May 1, 2024, the government announced the suspension of the SEA program for an undefined period. This decision was influenced by factors such as budget reallocations, strategic planning for new program initiatives, and adaptive responses to changing economic conditions. Existing participants will continue to receive financial support, but no new applications will be accepted during the suspension period.

Alternative Support Programs

For those who may have been considering applying for the SEA program, several other programs and resources remain available:

Employment Assistance Programs: These programs focus on helping individuals find and secure permanent employment through various forms of support, including job search assistance, skill development, and placement services.
Business Development Initiatives: Local and federal organizations offer grants, loans, and other resources aimed at helping new businesses establish themselves and grow.
Entrepreneurship Training Programs: Various institutions provide training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to help budding entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the business world successfully.

Individuals seeking more targeted assistance could connect with a local Services Québec office to explore these options and determine the best path forward.

Conclusion

While the temporary suspension of the Self-Employment Support program marks a significant change, it underscores the dynamic nature of governmental support mechanisms. The key to navigating these changes is staying informed about available resources and being proactive in seeking the necessary support. Aspiring entrepreneurs in Quebec still have numerous opportunities to realize their business ambitions through alternative support programs and resources that continue to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth within the province.