Self-Employment Benefits

Have you considered Self-Employment as an option? If so, you may be eligible for special assistance to start a business through the Self-Employment Benefit Program.

Coaching is tailored to your needs and may include business plan development, bookkeeping, marketing, etc. Successful program applicants are eligible for ongoing technical advice, training, and financial support.

The Details

Application Process for the Self Employment Program
(You are forbidden to start your business or advertise until authorized)

Stage One:

You must meet eligibility requirements (as outlined on the following page).
You must be referred to the SE program through an Employment Assistance Service contractor in your community.
If financing is needed, you can begin making arrangements for financing so you are certain that financing will be available before you proceed with Stage Two.
With assistance from the SE Coordinator, you must complete a Business Conceptual Plan and the Self Employment Application form.
SE Coordinator submits Business Conceptual Plan to committee for review.
Upon approval, you will be required to sign Stage One “Letter of Acceptance,” as well as a contract between CFPL, Service Canada, and yourself.
A due date for submitting the completed business plan is established (maximum 10 weeks), and you must agree to submit weekly reports outlining activities undertaken to develop business plan.

10 Week (maximum, no minimum) Interval:

You must work 35 hours/week on developing a Business Plan.
If financing is needed, you must complete arrangements at this time.
Coaching & Business Counseling Sessions with SE Coordinator are scheduled throughout this period as required.
SE Coordinator makes recommendations for improving the business plan.
You must submit your completed business plan (electronic format preferably) to the SE Coordinator by a pre-arranged date (at least one week prior to the SE Selection Committee meeting).

Stage Two:

SE Selection Committee reviews business plan, executive summary, and makes a recommendation accordingly.
Upon approval to Stage Two, you will be required to sign “Letter of Understanding” with SE Coordinator.
You are now authorized to launch your new business.
You are required to provide SE Coordinator with monthly Income & Expense and Activity reports, attend monitoring sessions, and scheduled training (minimum 3 workshops) as required.

APPROVAL CRITERIA

During the interview process, the SE Coordinator will determine the following information:

The client has an active EI Claim or an EI claim within the last 3 years or a parental claim within the last 5 years;
The client is a resident of Peace Liard region;
The client is legally entitled to work in Canada;
The client has the ability to make the minimum investment into the business;
The client is starting a new business or one that he/she has no previous ownership in;
The applicant has controlling interest in the business;
The business is one suitable for public funding;
The sales income is not derived solely from commissioned sales;
The sales income is derived from more than one source;
The applicant has the related skills and experience in the chosen field;
The business fits the area economic development strategy and fills a community need;
The business demonstrated financial viability;
The business has no direct competition or has the support of the competitors;
There is room in the marketplace for the business to start;
There is evidence that the applicant will be working a minimum of 35 hours per week on the business.

Approval to all stages of the SE program is based on a number of criteria including need, viability, and competition. In addition, all applicants are reviewed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

Documents

Download SE Application Form (300 KB)
Download Business Plan Template (58 KB)

Weekly Activity Report     (232 KB)
Program Agreement Phase 1     (136 KB)
Program Agreement Phase 2    (172 KB)
Income & Expense & Activity Report    (141 KB)
Bi-Weekly Pay Report Phase 1    (178 KB)
Bi-Weekly Pay Report Phase 2    (177 KB)