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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The purpose of the Self-Employment Benefits Program is to assist eligible individuals to develop a business concept into a viable business and to create employment for themselves through self-employment.

It consists of three steps:

1. Outlining your business idea.

2. Completing a business plan.

3. Actually starting and operating your business.

While on the Program you receive:

• Assistance from a Certified and Dedicated Business Counsellor with completing your business plan.

• Assistance with starting your business.

• Ongoing help and support while your business gets up and running.

• Access to relevant learning materials.

• Weekly financial assistance in the amount of $300(before taxes) for up to 48 weeks to help you cover living costs while your business gets up and running.

Your application will be assessed according to the following factors:

• Your experience with this type of business and business in general
• Your level of motivation to be successful in business
• Your ability to demonstrate  that you can make  a living with this business
• Your ability to come up with the money you need to start this business

Personal Investment

One of the conditions of being approved for the SEB Program is that you demonstrate that you are able to invest approximately $3900 in the business. The investment may take the form of:

1)  A bank statement showing at least the minimum investment (this must be transferred into your business account if you are approved)

2)  Evidence of a loan or overdraft of at least the minimum amount that can be put into your business name if you are approved

3)  Proof of ownership (receipts) for equipment that you are claiming for investment in the business (any equipment must be relevant to the business)

4)  A combination of all or some of the above items

Other Information

-This must be a year round business (not seasonal). You could combine two seasonal businesses to cover the     whole year.

- The business can be a proprietorship (you are the only owner), a partnership (you must be the controlling partner), a limited company (you must control the majority of the voting shares) or a franchise (you must be in control of the business).

-The business must be based in our trade area (Quesnel to Hixon, Quesnel to Nazko, Quesnel to Wells, Quesnel to Margueritte).

-This must be a new business (you cannot start it before applying for the Program). You can purchase an existing business in which you had no previous ownership.

- There is no start up capital involved with this Program. You must have the money you need or have access to the money you need to start the business.

-Applying for the Program does not guarantee acceptance to participate in the Program.

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