What is it?
The Self-Employment Benefits Program (SEB) is a Federal Government initiative intended to assist Employment Insurance recipients to become self-employed.
The goal of the program is to help those eligible unemployed Canadians to establish an income generating business that will allow them to be self sufficient and independent. Through this valuable program Community Futures 16/37 provides assistance in the preparation of a business plan, small business training, counselling on all aspects of starting or taking over a business, use of a resource library, a public computer with Internet, Desktop Publishing and word processing.
How does it work?
Included with the program is income support for a maximum of 52 weeks while developing and implementing the business idea.
Who can apply?
The SEB program can assist those individuals who are eligible participants as defined below:
- The applicant must be legally entitled to work in Canada, be receiving EI benefits or has received EI benefits in the past 3 years or has received Maternity or Parental EI benefits in the past 5 years.
- The applicant must be currently unemployed.
- You must reside and plan to operate your business in the Community Futures 16/37 service area.
- The business must be new to the applicant, independent and not funded on a commission basis. You must be the owner/manager of the business.
How do you start?
Contact your Employment Assistance Service Provider to review your employment options. They may then refer you to the Community Futures 16/37 office. Our staff will assist you to develop your business concept and your financial forecast. With this information, our Business Analysts will determine if your idea is feasible and that it fits your own unique skills, talents and interests.
With the support of our staff, you will continue with detailed business planning. You will be researching your ideas to determine how to give your business the best chance of success for attracting and keeping customers.
The business concept, financial forecast and SEB application form must be provided to the SEB Coordinator before you can go on to the next step in the application process.
Having a good business plan is the first step in having a successful business!
How does the SEB application process work?
- The applicant must meet with their Employment Assistance Services Provider in order to determine if self-employment is a valid option for employment, to establish their eligibility and to be referred to Community Futures 16/37.
- The applicant must complete the SEB application form, along with a 2-page business summary which will be reviewed by Community Futures 16/37.
- If the business is feasible, the applicant must complete detailed business planning. During this period the client must devote a minimum of 35 hours per week to developing the business plan.
- The business plan, when completed, is reviewed by the Self-Employment Benefits Committee. The committee judges the application on the viability and sustainability of the proposed business, a demonstrated demand for the business products or service and the existing competition within the area.
- The client must provide evidence of personal investment that is equal or greater than 25% of the total financial contribution of the SEB funding.
- The applicant must not start the business until the business plan and application has final approval from Community Futures 16/37.
- If the applicant is accepted for the SEB program they will sign an agreement with Community Futures 16/37. They may now begin the initial start up and necessary preparations for their business. (Minimum 35 hours a week).
- Community Futures 16/37 staff coordinating the SEB program will monitor the progress of the business by phone and on site visits. Monthly monitoring and financial data reports are required to be submitted by successful applicants. This helps the SEB Counsellor be well informed on the progress and development of the business. These reports are mandatory and must be submitted on time.
- When the SEB funding is complete, Community Futures 16/37 staff remains available for advice, guidance and support.
Referring agencies for the self-employment benefits program:
Kitimat Employment Services
562 Mountainview Square
Kitimat BC V8C 2N2
Phone: 632 6581 Fax: 632 6561
NorthWest Training Ltd.
201 - 4622 Greig Avenue
Terrace BC V8G 1M9
Phone: 638 8108 Fax: 638 7212
Upper Skeena Development Centre
4345 Field Street
Hazelton BC V0J 1Y0
Phone: 842 6110 Fax: 842 2282
Kitwanga Phone: 849-5633
