Self-Employment Program- Application Process

There are several steps to applying for the Self-Employment Program:

1. Meet with an Employment Counsellor to Get a Referrral

To get a referral to the Self-Employment Program you must meet the Employment Assistance Service (EAS) provider in your area to complete a Back to Work Action Plan. The Employment Counsellor will inform you of all options that are available to you as an unemployed Canadian citizen. They will also do an assessment interview to determine if self-employment is a potential solution. If so, they will provide a referral to the Self-Employment Program.

The EAS providers are:

Castlegar - Ashland Employment Services - 365-0966
Creston - Kootenay Employment Services - 428-5655
Nelson & Area - Kootenay Career Development Society - 352-6200
Nakusp/New Denver - Outreach Employment Services - 265-3318

2. Register for the Orientation

If you’re interested in the Self-Employment Program and meet the program criteria, come to an Orientation and learn how the program works.

Orientations are held monthly, usually at the beginning of the month. Complete the registration form in advance and submit it to the Community Futures office to register. If your business involves a partner or associate, you may ask to register them to the Orientation as well if space is available.

Download the Registration Form. See Workshop Schedule for dates.

Note: To download a pdf document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7 or later.

Dowload Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

3. Attend the Business Plan Workshop

If, after attending the Orientation, you wish to proceed, you will need to attend the two-day Business Plan Workshop. The workshop teaches you how to write a business plan. Business Plan Workshops follow within a few days of the Orientation.

4. Prepare Your Application (Research & Write Your Business Plan)

The Business Plan is your application to the Self-Employment Program. Research and write a comprehensive business plan, according to the specifications outlined at the Business Plan Workshop. You have two options on how to write it (please note that the options are discussed at the orientation):

a. Independently
Complete the business plan independently. If you have questions, you may call Community Futures or book a counselling appointment with one of our business counsellors.

b. Start Smart Program
Apply for the Start Smart Program. This program provides training and financial support as well as extra counselling time while you are completing your business plan. The Start Smart Program is a 10 week program. There are five intakes a year.
Download the Start Smart application deadlines.

Download the Start Smart Application

Note: To download a pdf document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7 or later.

Dowload Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

5. Submit Your Application!

If you complete the Business Plan independently, you will need to submit the business plan to Community Futures by the third Thursday of any month. Contact us before hand so we know to expect you. A staff person will briefly go through the business plan checklist with you at that time. After your business plan is handed in it will be reviewed by a Business Counsellor and you will be contacted to meet with them and go over any revisions that are required. You will have up to one month for revisions.

Participants in the Start Smart Program will have a set deadline for submission of their business plans, with built-in time to make revisions.

6. Your Application Goes to Committee for Final Approval

The Community Futures Self-Employment Committee meets on the third Thursday of every month to review and approve/decline applications.

7. Sign Your Contract

You will hear that evening if your application has been approved. The following day you will come in for contract signing. The contracts will be signed between you, Community Futures and Service Canada.

8. Declined applications

Applicants will have an opportunity to provide additional information or revisions to the business plan for review at a subsequent committee meeting.

9. Start your business