Self Employment Benefit ProgramFunded by Service Canada

The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is a proven means for helping unemployed and under-employed individuals to assist eligible individuals to create their own jobs and jobs for others by starting their own business. The program provides information, counselling, and financial support, through the business planning and business start-up stages, as well as during the first year of business operations.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Be a resident and operate your business from within of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George
  • Have an established EI claim or have had an established claim within the last three (3) years, or have had an established parental leave claim within the last five (5) years.
  • Be starting a new business or acquiring an existing business in which you have not held any ownership interest whatsoever in the past
  • Demonstrate that you will have controlling ownership interest (51%) in the business (if a partnership or corporation)
  • Be committed to working full-time (minimum 35 hours per week) for at least 52 weeks to establish your business.
  • Be prepared to make an investment into your business as required.

All businesses must:

  • Be suitable for public funding
  • Not have sales derived solely from commission
  • Demonstrate viability

If you believe you are eligible for this program and would like to apply, please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Attend an Information Session at Community Futures:

    1566 Seventh Avenue, Prince George, BC

Information Sessions are held every Thursday (end of the month are on Friday's) at 10:00 a.m. To attend a Session, please provide your name and phone number by:

  • email notification general@cfdc.bc.ca
  • phone: (250) 562-9622  or
  • in-person at 1566 Seventh Avenue, Prince George, BC

and we will reserve a seat for you at the session of your choice

Step 2:  Complete a Self-Employment Benefits Program Participant Declaration of Eligibility form (this form will be made available to you at the information session).