
Support for self-employment
grant_single|update April 2, 2025
QC, Canada
Money for unemployed workers to start a business in Quebec
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
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_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|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.
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|contact
1-877-767-8773
Apply to this program
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