Self-Employment Benefit Program

Unemployed?  Want to start a business?

Ask about the Self Employment Benefit Program

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Self-Employment Benefit Program (SEB) provides unemployed individuals with income support, coaching and technical assistance to enable them to become self-employed.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits recipients pursuing self-employment may be eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program that we deliver on behalf of Employment Ontario. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada. To facilitate the transition to self-employment, the SEB Program provides income support, training and consultation to qualified EI recipients who have a viable business idea. Specifically, the SEB Program provides:

• Program information
• Orientation
• Ten-week business plan development phase
• Mentoring and business counseling for qualified participants.

Participants receive agreed-upon financial assistance in the form of income support while developing and implementing their business plan. Income support is provided for up to 52 weeks. Participants are required to provide monthly income statements and activity/progress reports on the status of their business to SEB Program Coordinator throughout the period of income support.

Eligibility   

• Unemployed individuals receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or
• Unemployed individuals who have had an EI claim during the past three years or
• Unemployed individuals who have had maternity or parental leave benefits during the past five years.

Note

• Applicant must be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• The proposed business must be year-round, full-time, and owner-operated, or client must be at least 50% owner;
• The proposed business must be approved for public support and not exploit sex, religion or politics;
• Commissioned sales and seasonal businesses are not eligible for support;
• Applicant must have the required equity to invest in the business for start-up;
• Applicant must not have registered the business at the time of application;
• No business activity can be started prior to being approved on the SEB Program;

To qualify

To qualify for the Self-Employment Benefit Program, you must:

• Attend orientation sessions with Employment Counselor and SEB Coordinator;
• Agree to provide a business plan that is acceptable to the SEB Coordinator and Employment Ontario, showing business management capability and potential for long-term self-employment;
• Start a new business or take over an existing business in which you have had no prior ownership;
• Inject a minimum of 35 hours per week into the business venture;
• Intend to continue operating the business after completing the SEB Program.

 ________________________________________________________________

Success Stories

Brenda Summers Gabel

In April of 2001, Back to the Grind was a dream that was formulating in Brenda’s mind, and this dream became a reality in July when the doors were opened to patrons. Brenda, along with incredible support and input from her husband Rick, worked diligently to bring something new and exciting to the residents of Kapuskasing. Originally opening on Cain Avenue, Back to the Grind, attracted an instant solid clientele. The coffee, tea, menu selection, and giftware were all unique, and patrons raved about their food. It was not long before Brenda realized that they were bursting at the seams, and the Gabels purchased a building on the Circle in 2004. After many renovations and décor changes, Back to the Grind was re-opened, with triple the seating capacity, and soon beer and wine were added to the menu.

The success of Back to the Grind is solely due to the creativity, integrity, hard work, excellent staff, and long hours that Brenda and Rick have injected into this venture. Back to the Grind was awarded “Best New Business” title in 2001 at the Kapuskasing and Area Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet. They now boast four full-time and four part-time employees.

Congratulations Brenda and Rick for bringing this unique and special ambiance to our town!

Roger Dalton

Starting out RDS Enterprises with a tool box and mobile servicing, the high demand for Roger’s service led him to purchase a storefront nine months after starting his business. With his wife, Sylvie as his right-hand partner, RDS experienced incredible growth during its first year. They provide plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditionining, refrigeration, and major apliance repair services, as well as sales and installation of furnaces, air conditioners, and gas and electrical fireplaces. Recently they have added Rotobrush duct cleaning to their roster of services. With two completely equipped vehicles and four full-time employees, RDS Enterprises has become a household name in Kapuskasing and surrounding communities.

In 2002, Roger and Sylvie’s growing business was recognized and awarded the “Best New Business” title at the Kapuskasing and Area Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Awards Banquet.

Congratulations to this hard-working, dedicated and talented couple!!

________________________________________________________________

For more information, please contact:

Dawn Crawford Gee
North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation
6 Ash Street
Kapuskasing, ON
P5N 2C8
705.337.1407 or 888.289.4233
dcrawford-gee@northclaybelt.com