Self-Employment Benefit — Workforce Expansion

Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
HARD
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business. It offers up to $1,000,000 in financing to help you make essential purchases. Additionally, you can receive an extra $150,000 for software or day-to-day operating costs.

What You Get

  • Up to $1,000,000 in financing
  • $150,000 for software or operating costs

The funds can be used for:

  • Operating expenses
  • Restorations
  • New equipment
  • Software
  • And much more

The key difference between this loan and others is that it is backed by the government. You have the flexibility to choose how you pay it back, with up to 15 years to do so. This makes it easier to manage your finances and invest in your business's growth.

Financing Details

Type of Financing: Loan

Repayment Terms:

  • Interest Rate: Fixed at 3.5% per annum.
  • Repayment Period: Up to 10 years.
  • Grace Period: No payments required for the first 6 months.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Purchase of new or used equipment.
  • Renovation or improvement of existing facilities.
  • Research and development costs.
  • Marketing and promotional expenses.
  • Employee training programs.

Ineligible Expenses:

  • Personal expenses.
  • Debt refinancing.
  • Purchase of real estate.
  • Payment of dividends or bonuses.

Fees:

  • Application Fee: $200, non-refundable.
  • Processing Fee: 1% of the loan amount, deducted from the disbursement.
  • Late Payment Fee: 2% of the overdue amount per month.

Qualifications

  • Must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
  • Must have a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
  • Business must be operating in New Brunswick.

  • Disqualifications:

    • Businesses in the retail/wholesale sector.
    • Real estate businesses.
    • Government services.
    • Personal or social services.
    • Softwood lumber industry.
    • Professional services such as marketing firms, creative agencies.

Description

This program offers your business up to $1,000,000 in funding. You can use this money to buy equipment, upgrade your workspace, or cover other essential costs.

Here’s what you can use the money for:

  • Up to $500,000 for equipment like commercial kitchen appliances, manufacturing machinery, or IT infrastructure.
  • Up to $150,000 for software or other operational expenses.

The government backs 85% of the loan, giving you extra security.

Flexible repayment options are available. You can choose a variable or fixed interest rate, or even combine them. You have up to 15 years to pay back the loan, making it easier to manage your finances.

Program Steps

  1. Gather Required Documentation: Collect all necessary documents to support your application. This includes:

    • Business registration documents
    • Financial statements (last two years)
    • Business plan
    • Tax returns (last two years)
    • Proof of business address
    • Identification documents for business owners
  2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the program. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.

  3. Prepare a Detailed Business Plan: Outline your business goals, strategies, and how the program will benefit your business. Include financial projections and a clear plan for the use of funds.

  4. Submit Application and Documentation: Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation to the appropriate government office or online portal.

  5. Attend Any Required Interviews or Meetings: Be prepared to discuss your application and business plan in detail if requested by the program administrators.

  6. Wait for Application Review: Allow time for the program administrators to review your application and documentation. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.

  7. Receive Approval and Funding: If approved, you will receive notification of your acceptance into the program and details on how and when the funds will be disbursed.

  8. Implement Your Business Plan: Use the funds as outlined in your business plan to grow and support your business. Keep detailed records of how the funds are used.

  9. Report Progress: Periodically report your progress and the impact of the program on your business as required by the program guidelines.

Visit Program Website