What is the SEB Program?

Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) is a program which provides various types of support to eligible unemployed Atlantic Canadians during the initial phase of their business, including financial assistance, counselling and technical advice.

What Financial Assistance Will You Receive?

Under the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program, you must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a certain timeframe. You will continue to receive your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits until your claim ends. At this time you will receive support at a provincially established rate for the duration of time remaining on the SEB Program.

OR

If you are approved for the SEB Program, but are not currently receiving Employment Insurance benefits, you will receive a weekly allowance at a provincially established rate. The Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator in your area can provide you with additional information on what other support may be available to you.

Please note: SEB is funded by the government of Canada through the Canada-Provincial Governments Labor Market Agreements.
Programs and services delivered by CBDCs may vary by region.

How to Begin

Step 1- Contact Nova Scotia Works

Contact Nova Scotia Works to discuss if you qualifty for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program. They will then refer you to one of our Self-Employment Benefit Coordinators to start the application process. 

Step 2- Initial meeting with the SEB Coordinator
To access the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program, you must meet with the local Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator in your area to determine your eligibility for the program. The Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator will analyze your strengths and needs in order to recommend whether or not self-employment is a viable option for you.

Step 3- Completing Application Form and Preparing Business Plan
If self-employment is an option, you will be asked to complete and submit an application form and you will also need to prepare a business plan.

Your business plan must demonstrate potential for success. Your Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator will explain the key requirements for the business plan.

Step 4- Selection Process
The application and business plan will be presented by your Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator to a committee and evaluated according to provincially established program criteria. If you are a successful applicant, you will be officially made aware of your acceptance into the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program by your Self- Employment Benefit Coordinator.