Where to Start

Step 1 - Find out about the SEA program and how to apply: Attend a SEA Information Session . If you are interested in pursuing SEA you will receive a copy of the SEA Guide for a Business Description (by email or bring a computer diskette). You can start to fill this out and add more information as your work through the process.

Step 2 - Make an appointment with an Employment / Career Counsellor: The Counsellor will work with you to (1) check your EI eligibility and (2) develop a Return To Work Action Plan (RTWAP) where you will determine if self employment is right for you. If so, the Counsellor will also assist you with the application process.

Step 3 - Attend a mandatory two-day workshop: Your Counsellor will schedule you into a workshop designed to help you clarify your goals, assist you in assessing yourself and deciding if self employment is right for you. Attendance at this session is required to apply to the SEA program.

Step 4 - SEA Orientation Session: Once it is determined that you are EI eligible, contact BERN to register for the SEA Orientation Session where you will learn more about the SEA program, the application process (timelines, intakes, availability of seats, etc.) and information on completing the SEA Guide for a Business Description. You can attend more than one orientation session if you require additional help in understanding how to complete the Guide. You will get the most out of this session if you have already started to review or complete the Guide and have specific questions about it.

Note: It is recommended that you sign up for the next available workshop and orientation session after your counseling session to help make the application to SEA as timely as possible.

On average, it takes 6 - 12 weeks to complete the application process.

Step 5 - Obtain a referral from your Counsellor: If you feel that self-employment is the appropriate goal for you, and the SEA program the appropriate path to pursue for self-employment, you will need to check back with your Employment / Career Counsellor. He/she will be responsible for writing a referral / Executive Summary to the SEA program summarizing your Return to Work Action Plan. It is suggested that you review your progress with your Counsellor. To do this, it is recommended that you present your SEA Guide for a Business Description to them in as complete a state as possible. This can be done by email, or dropped off at their office, prior to your scheduled meeting. The referral / Executive Summary will be required for the interview with BERN.

Step 6 - Submit a complete SEA package : Please drop-off at the BERN office the following documents:

•  unbound copy of your completed SEA Guide for a Business Description

•  an up-to-date skill-based resume specific to your business idea with a chronological listing of your work and educational experience

•  the written referral from your Counsellor (also known as the Executive Summary of your RTWAP)

•  a SEB application form (available through the Counsellor)

•  an Environmental Questionnaire (available through the Counsellor)

•  a letter with your statement of equity and any additional documents as proof of equity for a minimum of 25% of the Self Employment Benefit (currently $5,369) that you invest in your business at startup. 

The submission will be reviewed for completeness prior to scheduling an interview.

Step 7 - Interview and final Assessment: Once the SEA package has been assessed and determined complete, the applicant will be invited to an interview. After the interview, the review committee will complete a final assessment.

Francais

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