The Self-Employment (SE) Program helps eligible unemployed individuals in Atlantic Canada start their own businesses. It offers financial support, continued EI benefits, entrepreneurial guidance, and expert counselling during the early stages of business development. Participants receive weekly financial assistance based on provincial guidelines, with additional support available through local SE Coordinators. Eligibility depends on recent or current EI status, and a formal application process is required.

What Financial Assistance Will You Receive?

Under the Self-Employment Benefit (SE) 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 SE Program. If you are approved for the SE 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.

How to Begin

Step 1 – Initial meeting with the SE Coordinator

To access the Self-Employment Benefit (SE) 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 2 – 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 3 – 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 (SE) Program by your Self-Employment Benefit Coordinator.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is pleased to provide financial support to the CBDCs in Atlantic Canada

* Please note: SE is funded by the government of Canada through the Canada-Provincial Governments Labor Market Agreements.

* Please note: Self-Employment Benefit (SEB),Self-Employment (SE), and Self-Employment assistance (SEA) – this program may vary by province.

* Please note: Programs and services delivered by CBDCs may vary by region.