
Support for self-employment
Last Update: April 2, 2025
QC, Canada
Money for unemployed workers to start a business in Quebec
Support for self-employment at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 85% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Other Support
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Open
Overview of the Support for self-employment program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 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
Eligibility criteria of the Support for self-employment program
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.
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
Eligibility criteria of the Support for self-employment program
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 to the Support for self-employment program
1
Fill out the service request
- Access the online site to fill out the application form for employment assistance services.
- Print the PDF form titled "Application for Services (3003-01)" if you prefer a physical submission.
2
Preparation of the required documents
Bring a photo ID issued by a public organization.
3
Submission of the request
- Submit your application online via 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.
Contact Gouvernement du Québec
1-877-767-8773
Apply to this program

Other SupportExpert AdviceSuspended
Quebec, Canada
Accelerating business growth through strategic innovation coaching

Other SupportOpen
Quebec, Canada
Quebec public contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Quebec, Canada
Accelerator for Canadian tech startups with expert-led support

Other SupportOpen
Quebec, Canada
Skilled foreign workers for Quebec companies

Other SupportExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Drummondville, Quebec
Business financing demystified for tailored entrepreneurial support

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Quebec, Canada
Self-employment support for eligible individuals launching businesses

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen
Montréal, Quebec
Supports eco-responsible and collaborative projects by Montreal arts organizations

Other SupportExpert AdviceOpen
Quebec, Canada
Intellectual property strategy support for Quebec-based innovative startups

Other SupportGrant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
SODEC supports diverse, quality film and digital production

Other SupportResearchers And FacilitiesGrant and FundingClosed
Montréal, Quebec
Supports non-profits providing activities for disabled individuals