The Self-Employment Program helps you make well thought out, lasting transitions from unemployment or under-employment to successful business ownership. This program is funded in whole or part through the Canada — British Colombia Labour Market Development Agreement.

Our experienced entrepreneur trainers have assisted hundreds of people to realize their dream of starting and maintaining their own business.

Operated by South Fraser Community Futures, we guide you to business success by offering market research guidance, business planning assistance, practical training, one on one coaching, financial assistance, and ongoing mentorship.

All SEP staff are experienced business advisors and trainers who have been successful business owners and managers. They will offer participants assistance with:

  • Assessing your suitability to becoming an entrepreneur
  • Conducting thorough market research to determine the viability of your business idea
  • Writing your comprehensive business plan
  • Income benefits (for up to one year) to assist you with your personal living expenses while you are establishing your businesses. Income earned by your business can then be reinvested back into the business allowing it to become self-sufficient once the funding ends
  • Business skill training that is respectful, motivating, and relevant, resulting in practical management skill development
  • Access to our mentoring program which provides skilled business mentors from the community
  • Access to a Financial Management advisor to ensure your understanding of bookkeeping and financial management
  • One on one counselling for business planning, marketing advice, motivation, at any time you need it

This program is specifically for EI eligible participants who:

  • Are experiencing challenges to gaining appropriate employment
  • Have disabling conditions

To be eligible for the Self-Employment program you must:

  • Be currently on Employment Insurance (EI) or have had an EI claim in the past three years or a parental claim in the past five years
  • Be unemployed or underemployed
  • Reside within the Fraser Valley region
  • Want to start a "new to you" business
  • Have a controlling interest in the business
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Propose a business concept that would be suitable for public funding - the business concept must be legal and not exploiting sex, politics or religion
  • Have completed the Orientation and the Market Research Workshop and plan to work full-time (minimum of 35 hrs/wk) in your business

Staff