Self-Employment Assistance - Jobs, Growth and Rural Development

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Funding for the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program is provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

Self-Employment Assistance is here to help you start your own business by providing financial and entrepreneurial support.

Am I Eligible? You might be eligible if you’re unemployed and:

Have a current EI claim, or
Had an EI claim that ended within the last 60 months. There might be other criteria too.

How Do I Apply?

Fill out a Request for Service Form.
Create an employment plan at your local Employment Centre.

Key Facts

The date we receive your completed application is when you’re considered to have requested assistance. This date helps determine if you qualify as an “insured participant” within the required timeframes.

Extended Benefits:

If you are currently receiving Employment Insurance benefits, you can keep receiving them until your benefit period ends. After that, you might be eligible for a living allowance until your Self-Employment Assistance agreement ends.
If you’re not receiving Employment Insurance benefits, you might be eligible for financial help with living expenses.

Financial Assistance: In special cases, we may help cover costs related to your participation, like dependent care, disability needs, transportation, and accommodation.

Duration:

The maximum duration of an agreement is 52 weeks. However, individuals with a disability may be eligible for an extension up to 78 weeks, in consultation with the Department, if the disability impacts their ability to participate full time in the program.

Once your employment plan is complete, you will be referred to a Self- Employment Assistance Coordinator. They will review your business concept, help you develop a business plan, and provide you with guidance on starting your business. Please see the list below of Self- Employment Assistance Coordinators located across the province.

Avalon West CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Burin Peninsula CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Cabot CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Celtic CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Central CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Eastern Initiatives CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Emerald CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Gander Area CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Gateway CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Humber CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Labrador CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact

Long Range CBDC https://www.cbdc.ca/en/contact