Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia) - Grant Brief ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Individuals currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits - Canadian citizens or permanent residents - Persons legally entitled to work in Canada - Must be at least 18 years old - Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals seeking to start a new business - Those looking to create their own employment/job opportunity - Excludes: Incorporated businesses, partnerships, and corporations ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable financial assistance combined with business support services - Funding Amount: Varies based on individual circumstances and business plan viability (typically up to a maximum determined by the program administrator) - Matching Requirements: Generally requires participant contribution or investment (amount varies) - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (conditional on meeting program requirements and milestones) - Additional Support: Business counseling and planning assistance provided at no cost ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Business plan development and refinement - Market research and feasibility analysis - Professional consultation fees (accounting, legal, business advisory) - Business registration and licensing costs - Working capital for business startup - Equipment and tools required for business operations - Initial inventory purchases - Training and skills development directly related to the business - Marketing and promotional materials for business launch ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Applicant must remain EI benefits recipient during program participation - Mandatory business plan approval before financial assistance is released - Completion of business counseling sessions with assigned advisor - Regular progress reporting and milestone achievement tracking - Business must demonstrate viability and market potential - Funds must be used within specified timeframe (typically 6-12 months) - Participant must actively pursue business establishment and not abandon efforts - EI benefits typically cease upon business income commencement - Failure to meet milestones may result in funding clawback or program termination - Program completion requires demonstration of sustainable self-employment