About The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program!

• Personal income supports for up to 48 weeks, paid bi-weekly when program requirements are met.
• If an individual is on an active Employment Insurance (EI), they retain their EI benefits until the active benefit period ceases. If the EI benefits exceed $300 per week, the participant retains those benefits until the active claim ceases and then is paid $300 per week by Community Futures Boundary until the 48 weeks of SE benefits are exhausted.
• If an individual´s EI benefits are less than $300/week, EI will continue to pay the EI rate and Community Futures Boundary will top up the payments to $300/week.
• If an individual´s EI Active Claim has expired within the last three (3) years for a regular claim or five (5) years for maternity/parental claims as long as the individual has not returned to the workforce, Community Futures Boundary will pay $300/week for the entire SEB contract.
• The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program does not provide start up financing. Individuals requiring a business loan to start their business are referred to the Community Futures Loans Officer and other financial institutions.
• The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is flexible - however, program requirements must be met.
• Businesses must be full time - year round operations.
• Seasonal businesses can be combined to ensure year-round operations.
• A business can be multi-faceted.
• Flexible hours (pick the hours needed for your business) (minimum 35 hrs week)
• Business management training is provided.
• One-on-one counseling is provided.
• Networking opportunities are provided.
• Workshops are provided with relevant business topics.

Close Program Benefits

Contracts (to a maximum of 48 weeks) are delivered in phases to provide benefits to assist with personal living expenses while you start your business operations.

Business Plan Development (Short Program)

• 10 weeks maximum for Business Plan Development to approval by Committee.
• 13 weeks upon Committee approval.
• 25 week extension.

SEB Program (Minimal assistance for development phase)

• 13 weeks upon Committee approval.
• 13 weeks first extension.
• 22 weeks final extension.

Close Contract Periods

• Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, and Partnership structures can be supported.
• Retail, Manufacturing, Service based mobile, storefront and/or home based business operations.
• The applicant must hold controlling interest in the business being established.
• Franchises may not be supported, and applicants will be assessed based on the level of support, training and control given by the Franchise Company.

Close Supported Businesses

• A business where revenue is primarily from commissions on sales.
• A business that is judged to generate income through multi-level marketing.
• A business that is a subsidiary or financially supported by another company.
• People who act as agents or manufacturing representatives, or those that exploit sex, religion or politics.
• Businesses that are seasonal will not be supported unless the business can be developed into full time year round operations.

Close Non-Suitable Businesses