Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program (OSEB)Objective
The Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program (OSEB) provides entrepreneurial skills development support to approved participants to help them develop and implement their business plan and become self employed.
The program provides various types of entrepreneurial support during the contract (up to 42 weeks). Services provided include skills development, ongoing technical advice, business plan preparation and financial support. Skills development will be tailored to client needs and may include advice on accounting, marketing, use of computers, and other small business services.
The Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program (OSEB) is a program of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) with business support services to approved participants delivered by the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area (CDC).
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be considering:
a new business or an existing business, of which the individual had no pior ownership and
a business that is suitable for public funding in the opinion of the ministry
The applicant must be an insured (unemployed) individual:
for whom an Employment Insurance (El) benefit has been established, or
whose EI benefit period has ended within the last three years (Reachback), or
who has received maternity or parental support within the past five years and now plan to re-enter the workforce.
The applicant must also:
Be legally entitled to work in Canada
Work full time at the business for the duration of the SEB contract
Retain controlling interest in the business
Provide personal investment, cash or in-kind, of at least 25% of the allowance to be received under the program.
Benefits
Entrepreneurial Skills Development Benefits
As a participant of the Ontario Self Employment Benefit (OSEB) program, you can take advantage of the following services offered to you by the CDC:
Assistance with the preparation of the business plan
Access to an extensive Small Business Resource Centre, which includes print, video and electronic resources
Access to computer workstations with internet access for business research, telephone and color photocopier
Training and skill enhancement opportunities. Workshops, seminars and guest speakers are planned on a regular basis
Free online courses
Monthly Coffee Club meetings which give the participants the opportunity to network with other small business owners
Monthly newsletter
One-to-one counseling
Financial Benefit
Approved participants may receive up to 42 weeks of income support.
How to Apply
Contact
Email the CDC, or stop by our office anytime.
Contact your local Employment Ontario Service Provider to make an appointment with an employment counselor to complete a Return to Work Action Plan and an El eligibility check.
Process
A completed referral package will be forwarded from an employment counselor to the CDC Ontario Self Employment Benefit staff and the individual will be contacted to arrange for a one-to-one orientation session.
The Ontario Self Employment Benefit staff will assist the individual in completing the OSEB application forms in addition to the business plan, which will be forwarded to the MTCU with a recommendation based on business eligibility and suitability.
MTCU will approve/decline an individuals application and notify in writing.
If approved, financial assistance is provided in conjunction with entrepreneurial skills development.
The CDC hosts a Self Employment Awareness Information Session on the Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program services on a monthly basis. All El eligible individuals are welcome. Contact the CDC to sign up for a session 942 9000.
Want to read some client success stories? Visit our success stories or testimonials sections on our website.
