What is the SE Program?

Self-Employment (SE) 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 (SE) Program you must be receiving or have received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits within a certain timeframe. You will continue to receive your 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 SE Program.

OR

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

There is also a Stream  available for individuals who are unemployed, but do not wish to look for employment.

This stream provides:

• entrepreneurial support, and
• if applicable, continued receipt of your EI benefits for the remainder of your claim (Note: The SE Program Stream 2 option will not increase the number of weeks you will be paid EI benefits).

Please note: SE 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 qualify for the SE Program. They will then refer you to one of our SE Coordinators to start the application process. 

Step 2- Initial meeting with the SE Coordinator
To access the SE Program, you must meet with the local SE Coordinator in your area to determine your eligibility for the program. The SE Coordinator will analyze your strengths and needs to determine if self-employment is a viable option for you.

Step 3- Completing Application Form

If self-employment is an option, you will be asked to complete and submit an application form to the SE Coordinator.

Step 4- Selection Process
Your SE Coordinator will present your application to an SE committee and evaluate it according to provincially established program criteria. Following this meeting, you will be informed of the committee’s recommendation for the SE Program.