Self-Employment
Turning awesome business ideas into sustainable jobs.
Here you'll find a wealth of information on the self employment program and other resources to support your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer, budding entrepreneur, or someone exploring the idea of working for yourself for the first time, we've curated a collection of valuable tools & resources to help you navigate the world of self-employment. Explore the diverse content and make this space your hub for achieving success on your own terms.
Self-Employment Services
Designed to help you take your business ideas from concept to creation, these self-employment services can give you the training and support needed to create a solid business plan and launch your business in the marketplace.
General Eligibility Requirements
- be unemployed or precariously employed, and
- be currently receiving EI benefits or have had an active EI claim in the past 5 years, OR
- have worked an earned at least $2000 in EI insurable earnings in 5 of the last 10 years, OR
- have a BCEA PWD/PPMB designation, OR
- have a general disability designation and
- in all cases, be legally eligible to work in BC.
(Note: For people with disabilities, participation requirements can be more flexible to accommodate disability related needs).
Meet the general requirements and interested in moving forward?
Give your local Employment Services Centre a call to schedule an appointment with an Employment Counsellor who will:
- confirm your eligibility for Employment Services and for the Self Employment Program
- assess if your business idea is suitable for the Self Employment service
- refer you to a Self-Employment Orientation and Assessment workshop
On the North Island, call 250-286-3441 or toll free 1-866-286-6788.
About the Self Employment Program
Self-Employment Orientation and Assessment workshop
- will give you important information about becoming self-employed, and explain the self employment services application process in detail.
Self Employment Services
After the Self Employment Orientation and Assessment workshop, the Self Employment team will determine if you are eligible to apply. If so, you will be given a few weeks to complete and submit the required documents.
If your application is successful, you will work with the Self Employment Servicers Provider for 48 weeks ( or more) to develop and launch your business. The Service has two parts:
- Business Plan Development ( with entrepreneurial workshops)
- Business launch and implementation
As part of the service, you will also receive coaching and mentoring from experts with years of experience in business start-up.
You may also be eligible for financial support or continued EI benefits during your participation in the program.
To request more information or request to meet with an Employment Counsellor, give your local Employment Services Centre a call. On the North Island, call 250-286-3441 or toll free 1-866-286-6788.
On the North Island, Self Employment Services are provided by:
Port Hardy and the surrounding area: Community Futures Mt. Waddington
Phone: 250-956-2220
Toll Free: 1-877-956-2220
Campbell River and the surrounding area: Inspired Strategy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-709-7063
Kick Start Your Journey to Self Employment.
Are you thinking about taking the leap to Self-Employment? Check out these great informative videos before you get started.
Other Self-Employment Resources
"Rise is Canada’s only national charity dedicated to helping people who have experienced barriers resulting from mental health or addiction challenges, achieve financial stability through self-employment or small business ownership. Rise provides training, mentorship and low interest business loans. Across Canada, Rise helps eliminate barriers, improve life outcomes and strengthen individuals, families and communities”.
"…formerly known as the Women’s Enterprise Centre] is a not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for nearly three decades by providing thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive".
Community Futures Accessible Entrepreneurship Services
“…provides support to Persons with Disabilities and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals interested in self-employment or who already run a business. Their programs offer eligible participants access to skills development training, business coaching and mentorship”.
The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce is a vital business organization in British Columbia, fostering economic development, advocating for local businesses, and creating networking opportunities to support the growth and prosperity of the Campbell River business community.
Community Futures Mt. Waddington
Community Futures Mount Waddington is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic development and supporting small businesses in the Mount Waddington region of British Columbia, providing resources, financing, and guidance to enhance local entrepreneurship and community growth.
Community Futures Strathcona is a non-profit organization committed to promoting economic development and supporting small businesses in the Strathcona region of British Columbia, offering a range of services and resources to empower local entrepreneurs and enhance community well-being.
BizPal
BizPaL is an online platform that streamlines the business permit and license process in Canada, allowing entrepreneurs to easily identify and obtain the necessary permits and licenses from various levels of government for their specific business activities.
Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization that supports young entrepreneurs through mentorship, financing, and resources, empowering them to start and grow successful businesses across various industries.
WorkBC Self Employment Resources
Explore whether self-employment is for you with these self-assessments and resources for starting a business.
Entrepreneurs on the Rise Program
A free program, aimed at providing women and non-binary people the opportunity to start their own businesses and reach financial stability and independence.
Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation
The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation is an indigenous-led organization focused on promoting economic self-sufficiency and sustainability for the Nuu-chah-nulth people, providing resources, business development support, and opportunities for economic growth.
Cortes Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA)
CCEDA is a social profit organization dedicated to the long term well being of Cortes Island and those who live here. Through the community economic development model, we seek to support the growth of diverse, sustainable, and fulfilling island livelihoods and enterprises.
Self Employment - ALIS (Alberta Learning Information System) Resources
Government of Canada - Business & Industry
The Government of Canada's Business and Industry webpage serves as a comprehensive online hub, offering valuable information, resources, and tools to support businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries across the country, covering diverse topics such as regulations, funding opportunities, and economic development initiatives.
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Canadian businesses by providing tailored financing solutions, advisory services, and resources to foster innovation and competitiveness
Because some ideas are just that good!