Affected by downsizing? Employment Insurance (EI) benefit recipients pursuing self-employment may be eligible for the Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program that we deliver on behalf of the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU).
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.
What is SEB?
SEB is a tool to help individuals create jobs for themselves through self-employment by providing them with various types of support during the start-up period. Assistance can include coaching, on going technical advice and financial support.
Coaching will be tailored to meet individual needs and can include subjects such as business plan development, accounting, marketing and government guidelines, among others.
Applicants are given the opportunity to sign up for an 8 week course called the Enterprising Edge Business Development course. This course provides an intensive orientation in business planning and management.
Participants of the SEB Program are also invited to attend a variety of business related seminars held throughout Renfrew County and have access to an online monthly business newsletter.
What financing is available?
Individuals participating in the SEB program receive agreed-upon financial assistance in the form of continued or extended Employment Insurance Benefits (EI). Income support is provided for a specified number of weeks as stipulated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).
Participants are required to provide monthly activity and financial reports on the status of their business throughout the period of income support.
The Self Employment Benefit Program is funded by the Government of Ontario. | 
