Self-Employment Program
What is a self employment benefit program?
The self-employment benefits program is a 40 week comprehensive program that takes participants who are on unemployment insurance or are underemployed and are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. CEED’s self employment benefits program is somewhat of an entrepreneurial boot camp that turns everyday people into thriving business owners.
What does the self employment benefits program Nova Scotia include?
The Nova Scotia employment benefits program includes a support network through CEED to help citizens navigate the options of becoming an entrepreneur. The self-employment benefits program in Nova Scotia is a unique opportunity for all Nova Scotian citizens who are unemployed or under-employed and looking to become business owners. Canadians have the unique opportunity to receive direct support in becoming a business owner.
How do I get into a self employment benefits program with CEED?
The Self Employment Benefits Program is only accessible to those who are referred through Nova Scotia Works. In order to be eligible for self-employment benefits program through CEED you must review the following eligibility requirements below:
- Unemployed or under-employed – working a maximum of 19.5 hours per week
- Legally entitled to work in Canada – Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDA) Eligible/Premiums Paid Eligibility (PPE) *must meet 1 of the 4 criteria*
- Currently on a regular EI claim
- Have been on a regular EI claim within the last 5 years
- Have generated at least $2,000 of insurable earnings in any 5 of the last 10 years
- For full eligibility requirements visit the Employment Nova Scotia website.
CEED’s Self-Employment Benefits Program advisors, in addition to having extensive business experience, have a passion for helping program participants build their abilities and make the most of their resources to succeed as entrepreneurs. In other words, they are there to support you each step of the way. Our well-tested and highly effective approach to learning also gives participants an opportunity to test out different ideas and learn from each other.
The format:
The program starts off with a half-day orientation (in the morning), and there is a mandatory 30-minute 1-on-1 in the afternoon that includes a roadmap for the 40 weeks ahead.
Next, there are 15 workshops in which you learn essential lean startup and business skills.
You’ll be paired with an expert business advisor who will provide individualized support and one-on-one coaching throughout the program.
Guess what? You actually launch your business within the first 25 weeks of the program. That means you get to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed in the first weeks of the program to the real-world experience of owning your own business—all with the support of your advisor and peer
Testimonials
“From the moment that I met with CEED Team, I was blown away by their knowledge, collaboration, relatability, and professionalism. Throughout a variety of training modules and program deliverables, CEED advisor provided a consistent and trusted voice on my business. He grew to know me and my business both personally and professionally. There were many times throughout my journey that I doubted myself or my vision. He consistently asked the right questions and reminded me of the end towards which we were both working.
Although I am building an independent business, I have never felt alone thanks to CEED’s support, guidance, and collaboration. CEED is an invaluable member of my team and support network. Thanks for everything.”
Nicola Gillis | Saffron + Salt (Halifax) 
“The biggest thing that I think helped me was being open to hearing feedback from CEED advisors that pushed me in directions that weren’t what I was initially intending for my business. Jay (and Archie!) offers really great observations and questions from his experience in business. The customer discovery process was eye opening for me, as were the ways I was challenged during my business plan development. CEED’s goals are very much to see you be operating a financially solvent business. Just be willing to put in the work, focus on data driven decision making, and trust the Lean model and the feedback you get from CEED. I’m six months in and I can say that it really works.”
Ben Brezner | Two Bridges Marketing (Bridgewater)
“Working with CEED during the entrepreneurship program was one of the most valuable parts of the entire experience. Jay is incredibly easy to talk to, approachable, grounded, and genuinely invested – which made it easy to be honest about where I was struggling and where I wanted to grow.
He brings a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience as a business owner, and his guidance always felt practical, thoughtful, and relevant.
What I appreciated most was his ability to meet me where I was. When I needed support, Jay showed up as a friend, listening, encouraging, and steady. And when he knew I was capable of more, he stepped into the role of mentor, challenging me to think bigger and act with more confidence. Jay kept me on track and held me accountable in a way that felt motivating rather than pressured. CEED’s process was incredibly valuable and truly helped propel me to take the chances I already knew I needed to take, but hadn’t yet fully committed to.
I’m very grateful for CEED’s guidance and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an advisor who is both supportive and genuinely invested in your success.”
Bailey Vernon | Churned (Dartmouth) 
How do I apply for the self employment benefits program in Nova Scotia?
How to apply:
1
The first step in applying for the program is to find and contact a Nova Scotia Works Centre in your area where you will be advised about your options, starting with a review of eligibility requirements.
2
If you qualify for the program, you will then be given guidance for completing CEED’s
application forms, along with a referral to the program’s next orientation session.
Still have questions?
Click below, call us at (902) 421-2333, or send us an email to selfemployment@ceed.ca.
