Human
Resources Development Canada's (HRDC) Self-Employment Benefit provides
individuals with income support, coaching and technical assistance to
enable them to become self-employed. The program is open to those who
have not participated in a self-employment assistance program offered
by HRDC in the last five years and who:
- are receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits;
- have had an EI benefit claim end in the three years before they asked
for assistance; or
- received maternity or parental leave benefits in a period that began
no more than five years before they asked for assistance.
The program is delivered on a local basis through expert organizations
known as coordinators, which are local community groups funded by HRDC
to assist clients' pursuit of self-employment opportunities. Coordinators
are expected to provide clients with:
- orientation;
- coaching; and
- ongoing business counselling.
Participants receive agreed-upon financial assistance while working
to implement their business. Financial support is provided for up to
52 weeks.
To qualify for a Self-Employment Benefit, you must:
- attend an orientation session with the coordinator in your area;
- agree to provide a business plan that is acceptable to HRDC, showing
potential for long-term self-employment;
- start a new business or take over an existing business in which you
have had no prior ownership; and
- agree to work full-time on the business while receiving financial
assistance.
Contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office (number
available in the Government of Canada pages of your telephone directory).
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