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.

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

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.

Preparation of the required documents

Bring a photo ID issued by a public organization.

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.