If you’re unemployed in Newfoundland and Labrador and want to start your own business, the Newfoundland & Labrador Self-Employment Assistance program could help you get started. This provincial program lets eligible people receive income support while building a new business, instead of staying on regular Employment Insurance (EI). It’s designed to help you turn a business idea into a real source of income.
The Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program is offered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. It helps unemployed people who want to create their own job through self-employment.
Eligibility depends on your EI status. You may qualify if you meet one of these conditions:
The program is for people who are unemployed and ready to work full-time on starting a business. If you only want to work on your business part-time or as a hobby, you usually will not qualify.
Self-Employment Assistance gives you income support instead of a one-time cash grant.
You get:
The goal is to give you a steady income so you can focus on making your business successful during its early stages.
Most new business ideas are considered, as long as they are legal and make sense financially. There is no industry restriction in the program guidelines. However:
Applying for Newfoundland & Labrador Self-Employment Assistance is more than just filling out a form. The process checks both your eligibility and your business idea.
Check your EI status
Make sure you are receiving EI now or your EI ended within the last 60 months.
Contact a provincial employment office or service provider
Applications are handled through provincial employment and training services, not directly online.
Prepare and submit a business proposal
You will need:
Assessment and approval
Your proposal is reviewed to confirm:
Sign a participation agreement
This outlines your income support and reporting requirements.
Using tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare programs by province and business stage. This is helpful if you want to see how SEA compares with other startup funding options.
Thinking SEA is a grant you have to pay back
The support you get is non-repayable income support. You do not have to repay it.
Applying with a part-time or hobby business
SEA is for full-time self-employment. If your idea is only for part-time work, it likely won’t qualify.
Waiting too long after your EI ends
If your EI benefit period ended more than 60 months ago, you are not eligible.
Submitting a weak or unclear business plan
Your plan needs to be clear and show that your business can work. Vague plans are less likely to be approved.
Q: Can I start a business while receiving EI in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Through the Self-Employment Assistance program, eligible EI recipients can work on their own business while receiving income support instead of regular EI.
Q: Is Self-Employment Assistance funding repayable?
No. The support is non-repayable. It is given as income support, similar to EI, and you do not have to pay it back.
Q: How long after my EI benefits end can I apply?
You may qualify if your EI benefit period ended within the last 60 months.
Q: Does Self-Employment Assistance replace EI benefits?
Yes. Participants get SEA income support instead of EI while working on their business.
Q: What types of businesses are eligible?
Most new, legal, and viable businesses are considered. You must be actively involved and the business must be new.
Newfoundland & Labrador Self-Employment Assistance can be a great option if you’re unemployed and serious about starting a business. Make sure you check your EI eligibility and prepare a strong business plan before you apply. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and support programs across Canada—including self-employment and startup funding—so you can find options that fit your business before you decide what to do next.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.