Self Employment Program
Objective of self-employment services
The objective of self-employment services is to help individuals create jobs for themselves by starting a business. Clients who participate in self-employment services are expected to become self-sufficient and independent through the launch of their business.
Eligibility for self-employment services
Self-employment services are available to British Columbian job seekers who are legally eligible to work in British Columbia, meet the general eligibility requirements for the WorkBC program and meet the following criteria:
- a person who has had annual insurable earnings of more than $2000 and paid EI premiums in any 5 years out of the last 10 calendar years;
- or a person who had an EI benefit period that ended within the previous 60 months;
- or a person with Disabilities designation or Person with Persistent Multiple Barrier status.
Other criteria may apply. For more information on eligibility for this program, please contact WorkBC. See below for contact details.
Program details
The key characteristics of self-employment services are as follows:
- participants must complete a business plan which is assessed for its viability and impact on the community, as well as the individual’s aptitude, skills, product or service knowledge and experience related to their business.
- participation in self-employment business plan development and business launch/implementation is on a full-time basis.
- business plan development and implementation is supported and monitored by the self-employment coordinator.
Components of self-employment services
- Entrepreneurial workshops
- Help with business plan development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Support for business launch and implementation
Eligible self-employment business activities
For a client to be considered for self-employment services, the self-employment business must be:
- a new business; or
- an existing business in which the eligible participant had no prior ownership; and
- a business that will not result in putting another individual out of business.
Contact Information
If you are interested in the Self Employment Program, please make an appointment at WorkBC:
Email: Info-revelstoke@workbc.ca
Phone: 250-814-0244
(photo credit Tourism Revelstoke and Keri Knapp)