SERVICE CANADA
SELF EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PROGRAM
Program Overview
The Self Employment Benefit(SEB) is an initiative of Service Canada(HRSDC) and administered locally by Patricia Area Community Endeavours Inc. (PACE).
The object of the SEB program is to encourage labour market self-sufficiency through self-employment.
- SEB enables a person starting a business to receive 50 weeks of income support during the early months of business planning and operation.
- Benefits also include access to training and assistance in preparing a business plan and managing business operations.
- Benefits also include the support of a counselor to provide assistance during the benefit period and after. The counselor will provide assistance in several different aspects of the self-employment process.
- SEB can increase the opportunity for success of the venture by enabling the reinvestment of surplus revenue back into the business during the start-up phase, easing the cash flow requirements.
Who is Eligible to receive Self-Employment Benefits?
SEB is available to applicants who are currently unemployed and have an active Employment Insurance (EI) Claim, or have had a claim in the recent past. This includes persons who have had and EI claim that has ended in the past three years or who have received maternity or parental benefits in the past five years after which they remained out of the labour market to care for the child.
- Applicant must be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Applicant must agree to prepare and submit a business plan acceptable to HRSDC showing potential for long term employment.
- Revenue from the proposed business must not be primarily from commissions.
- The Business must be suitable for public funding (i.e. it must not exploit sex, religion or politics).
- The Business may have a seasonal aspect but the applicant must demonstrate that the work is fulltime.
- The program participant must have controlling interest in the business where it is a partnership or corporation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Jim Dayman - Self Employment Benefits Coordinator
807-221-3293 or toll free 1-800-465-5307
e-mail:
