Self Employment Program
Here is help to turn your business idea into reality!
SELF EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (SEB)
It is a big leap of faith to embark on a new venture, it takes courage to go out on one’s own, and money, and lots of help. We offer practical and enthusiastic support to those who want to get into business.
The Self-Employment Program provides business skills training, and pays a modest living wage during the start-up year.
PHASE ONE – PLANNING
The initial phase involves working on a business plan; participants receive support while they research and refine their business ideas. The Self Employment Coordinator is available to assist the participant as they complete their business plan. A living allowance is provided for up to 8 weeks.
PHASE TWO – IMPLEMENTATION
The completion and acceptance of the business plan is required to receive continuing assistance for actually starting up the new venture.
Each application for the Self Employment Benefit is considered on its own merits. The Self Employment Committee of the Board of Directors of CF Nadina meets monthly to review the new business plans.
Once the participant is operating their business, mentorship, business counselling, business Skills training and monitoring of progress continues; along with the living allowance for up to 26 weeks.
PHASE THREE
Discretionary support may be extended to successful entrepreneurs to a maximum of 48 weeks.
TRAINING
The Business Opener Workshop provides training in the fundamentals of starting a business. Topics covered include: market research, administration and management, financial planning, marketing, taxation and the legal responsibilities involved for a small business owner.
Other training courses include bookkeeping, computer skills, customer service, and other topics relevant to entrepreneurs.
ELIGIBIILITY
- Currently unemployed
- Have not yet started the business
- May purchase an existing business
- The business must not exploit religion, sex or politics in any way.
- The business cannot be a network or multi-level marketing opportunity– it has to be an idependent concept.
Participants must be prepared to work at the business full time – at least 35 hours a week.
Program candidates must demonstrate personal faith in the business by making a financial commitment to the idea, this could be the contribution of assets such as tools & equipment, cash or a start-up loan.
SEB
Have a current EI claim, have had a claim within the past 3 years, or had a parental claim within the past 5 years.
This program funded by the Government of Canada and Province of BC though the Canada – BC Labour market Agreement.
