Self Employment Option
 


The Self Employment Option provides participants with formal instuction in business plan development and business advise.  An expert evaluates the business idea, and provides coaching, guidance and follow-up during the implementation of the business plan.

Program Objective

The objective of the Self Employment Option (SEO) is to provide supports to individuals who would like to start a small business.

Eligible Clients:

To be eligible for the Self Employment Option, clients must:

  • Be currently receiving Employment Insurance benefits (EI), or

  • Had an EI claim which ended in the past 3-5 years

  • Have had no previous participation in Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) funded by Human Resources Development Canada or GNWT Education, Culture & Employment within the past five years

  • Be approved for the option by an expert in business development

  • Provide a business plan within a reasonable time after referral to the option, which shows potential for long term self-employment

  • Be starting a new business or taking over an existing business in which the client had no prior ownership

  • Agree to work full-time (30 hours or more weekly) on the business

  • Attend business information sessions if required

  • Be able to contribute personal equity to the business

Client Contribution

In addition to time and hard work, individuals must be willing to contribute money or equipment toward their business.

Financial Assistance

Sponsoring organizations assist clients who are:

  • Experiencing difficulty finding and / or keeping work and fall within locally defined priorities

  • Have or had an Employment Insurance claim that would have ended in the past 3-5 years

  • Active EI claimants and income Support clients continue to receive financial assistance while accessing EAS supports

Other financial supports may be available depending on need.

Financial Assistance

Individuals accessing the program will continue to receive their Employment Insurance Benefits.

Earnings from the business are not deducted from EI Benefits.

Participants may also be eligible for personal supports:  such as tuition, transportation, and dependent care.

How long is the Program?

Maximum duration of the Self-Employment Option is 52 weeks.