Employment and Income Assistance Facts

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Self-Employment Program

If the plan fits, you can become self-employed

When you are receiving assistance from Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), and would like to become self-employed as a way to support yourself, you may be able to receive help to do so. The first thing you need to do is to talk to your worker about your plan to become self-employed and discuss how it fits into your action plan. If your self-employment plan is not approved and you have a work expectation that says you are to be looking for and accepting a job or training, you may still continue with your business plan as long as you are meeting your work expectations.

Self-employment training program preparation

When your self-employment plan is approved, your worker will refer you to a self-employment training program. The self-employment training program gives you support and the opportunity to do research, build your business plan and develop your financial forecasts. The self-employment training program prepares you for completing all necessary financial statements and reports as required by EIA. The self-employment program will also provide you with assistance in applying for potential financing to start your business.

How business income affects EIA assistance

When you are participating in an approved self-employment training program, EIA may allow your business income to be re-invested into your business operation for a period of time while your business grows. In this case, you will continue to receive your full assistance from EIA for up to 44 weeks with a possible extension of eight more weeks.

If you have any questions, please call your worker.

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