This program is designed for you. It offers entrepreneurial support and financial assistance to help you start and grow your business. You will receive orientation, workshops, coaching, mentoring, and access to specific business training. These resources will help you develop and implement your business idea effectively.

What You Get:

• Continued receipt of your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the remainder of your claim.
• Financial assistance through a weekly living allowance.
• Coverage for costs related to participation, such as dependent care, disability needs, tuition, transportation, and accommodation.

Why Apply?

• Full-time participation in the program ensures you dedicate at least 35 hours per week to your business.
• Monthly reporting keeps you on track and accountable.
• Support from a Self Employment Coordinator to guide you through the process.

This program is a great opportunity to turn your business idea into a reality with comprehensive support and financial backing.

Type of Financing: Grant

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• No repayment is required.
• There are no interest rates associated with this grant.

Eligible Expenses:

• Business planning costs
• Start-up costs
• Dependent care
• Disability needs
• Tuition costs
• Transportation
• Accommodation

Ineligible Expenses:

• Personal expenses
• Any costs not directly related to the business start-up or planning

Fees:

• There are no fees associated with this grant.

The Self Employment Program is designed to help you start your own business. It offers entrepreneurial support and financial assistance to make your business idea a reality.

You will receive orientation, workshops, coaching, and mentoring. These resources will help you develop and implement your business plan. Some business training is mandatory to ensure you have the skills needed to succeed.

The program provides financial assistance in two ways:

1. Continued receipt of your Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the remainder of your claim.
2. A weekly living allowance to cover your basic needs while you work on your business.

The program lasts 40 weeks and requires full-time participation (35 hours per week). If you have a disability, you can participate part-time and extend the program up to 52 weeks. You must report your progress monthly to continue receiving support.

This program is a great opportunity to turn your business idea into a sustainable income.

1. Contact an Employment Service Provider:

• Reach out to a Nova Scotia Works Centre, ISANS, or Phoenix.
• They will guide you through the Self Employment Program process.

2. Complete an Employment Assessment:

• Meet with a Case Manager to assess your employment status.
• Develop a Return-to-Work Action Plan with your Case Manager.

3. Prepare Required Documentation:

• Gather necessary documents, including:
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Proof of Nova Scotia residency.
  • Evidence of your current or past Employment Insurance (EI) claim.
  • Records of your comprehensive job search (if applicable).
  • Business plan outlining your business idea.
  • Financial statements or projections for your business.

4. Meet with a Self Employment Coordinator:

• Your Case Manager will refer you to a Self Employment Coordinator.
• The Coordinator will assess your business idea for eligibility.

5. Submit Program Application:

• With the help of your Case Manager, prepare and submit your application to Employment Nova Scotia.
• Ensure all required documents and forms are included.

6. Review and Approval:

• Employment Nova Scotia will review your application.
• If approved, you will enter into a funding agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

7. Participate in Mandatory Training:

• Engage in orientation, workshops, coaching, and mentoring sessions.
• Complete any mandatory business training required by the program.

8. Monthly Reporting:

• Submit monthly reports on your self-employment progress.
• This is necessary to continue receiving financial assistance.

9. Full-Time Participation:

• Devote at least 35 hours per week to planning and starting your business.
• If you have a disability, discuss part-time participation options with your Case Manager.

10. Utilize Entrepreneurial Support:

• Access ongoing support from your Self Employment Coordinator.
• Take advantage of the resources and guidance provided to help develop and implement your business idea.