Open
Support for self-employment
Money for unemployed workers to start a business in Quebec
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Up to 85% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for self-employment Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Support for self-employment. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Support for self-employment?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Support for self-employment Funds up to 85% of admissible expenses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Support for self-employment?
You can contact Gouvernment of Québec or by phone at 1-877-767-8773.
Where is the Support for self-employment available?
The Support for self-employment program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Support for self-employment a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Support for self-employment is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Support for self-employment?
Support for self-employment is funded by Gouvernment of Québec
