Self Employment Assistance

Overview of the Self Employment Assistance program:

SEA allows eligible participants to continue receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for up to 52 weeks while working on their business venture. In addition to financial assistance, the program offers extensive technical support, including training and ongoing counseling. SEA aims to reduce barriers to self-employment by helping individuals transition from unemployment to entrepreneurship with confidence and a robust business plan. The SEA program supports aspiring entrepreneurs by: Offering financial support equivalent to their EI benefits during the business startup phase. Providing training in essential business skills such as marketing, bookkeeping, and financial management. Delivering ongoing mentoring and technical advice from experienced business counselors. Participants are also guided in developing comprehensive business plans, which are integral to their success. The program facilitates access to a network of CBDC advisors who provide tailored advice and ensure participants are equipped to address business challenges.

Benefits of the Self Employment Assistance program:

• Business Plan Development: Assistance in crafting a professional and actionable business plan.
• Training Opportunities: Workshops and courses on bookkeeping, sales, marketing, and other entrepreneurial skills.
• Counseling Support: Access to mentors and advisors for ongoing advice and problem-solving throughout the business development phase.

Eligibility criteria of the Self Employment Assistance program:

• You are eligible if you are unemployed and;
• Have a current EI Claim; or
• Had a EI benefit ended within the last three years; or
• Have established a benefit period within the past five years prior to the date of requesting assistance, was paid parental or maternity benefits, and are re-entering the labour force after having left it in order to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
• Other criteria may apply.