Self Employ PEI

Self Employ PEI is an employment program developed to help job seekers who want to launch their own business. This program provides financial support and business counselling to new entrepreneurs during their first year of operation. SkillsPEI offers Self Employ PEI information sessions for interested job seekers to find out more about the program.

Who is Eligible to Participate? 

If you are unemployed and looking for full time employment you are eligible to apply.

• You must be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident);
• You must have a current claim for Employment Insurance benefits; or
• You must have a previous EI claim whose benefit period ended within the previous 60 months; or
• An unemployed person who paid, in at least 5 of the last 10 years, employee's premiums that did not entitle the person for a refund (ie. If the person made less than $2000 in earnings in a year, any EI premiums that they would have paid, would be reimbursed);
• You must not have started the operation of your new business prior to program approval;
• Other criteria may apply.

How do I Apply?

If you are interested in the Self Employ PEI program, you must attend an Information Session. After the Information Session, you can set up a time to meet with a Program Officer/Case Manager to complete a needs assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan. Once this is complete, you can submit the Self Employ PEI Application for Individuals with your business plan and proof of financing. Please note, applicants must not have started the operation of the proposed business before submitting an application for the program.

To assess your application, we will need:

• Return-To-Work Action Plan:
• Self Employ Suitability Assessment questionnaire;
• Self Employ PEI Application for Funding;
• Detailed business plan;
• Proof of investment or financing;
• Resume;

Your business plan must demonstrate that your business will provide the potential for long term viability. There are many types of eligible businesses that qualify for funding: manufacturing, food and beverage, information technology, trades, retail, etc.

Once you submit your completed application package, SkillsPEI will review your information. Once you receive confirmation that your application has been approved for the Self Employ PEI program, you can open your new business.

When is my Application Due?

There is no deadline for applications under the Self Employ PEI program as SkillsPEI accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

How does the Program Work?

During the first year you are in business you will devote a minimum of 35 hours each week to implement your business plan.

Each week you will receive a weekly living allowance or EI benefits, or a combination of the two. You may also be eligible for a $1,000 consulting grant.

This information is a general guide for applicants. Applications received by SkillsPEI will be assessed against additional program criteria to determine eligibility.

Where can I get more Information?

Call SkillsPEI's general inquiries line at 1-877-491-4766 or visit one of the SkillsPEI offices.

Self Employ Information Sessions

If you are interested in the Self Employ PEI program you must:

Attend an Information Session and a subsequent assessment meeting before submitting an application for the program;

Self Employ PEI information sessions are presented remotely through video using the Microsoft Teams platform and/or telephone every Friday at 10 am - 11 am (no session on statutory holiday).  

You can register for an Information Session by clicking on the Self Employ PEI Information Session Registration button at the bottom of the page. 

Please ensure that you click the Submit Button on the Preview Page to complete your registration. You will get a submission number and a follow-up email from Prince Edward Island confirming your submission. 

You will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation email by the end of the day on the Thursday prior to your session in order to join the session. If you do not, please contact 1-877-491-4766.

Deadline to register for an information session is noon the day prior to the session.

IMPORTANT:  Applicants must not have started the operation of the proposed business prior to submitting an application for the program.

Charlottetown
Atlantic Technology Centre 
176 Great George Street, Suite #212
Phone: (902) 368-6290

Summerside
Access PEI
120 Heather Moyse Drive 
Phone: (902) 438- 4151

Montague
548 Main Street 
Phone: (902) 838- 0674

West Prince
50 MacKenzie Crescent, Woodstock
Phone: (902) 859-8898

Program Assessment

Self-Assessment for Entrepreneurship
Ask yourself these questions

Application Form

Checklist to Apply for Self Employ PEI
Self Employ PEI Application for Funding can be obtained from your SkillsPEI Program Officer when you have completed your business plan and are ready to apply.

Business Plan Forms

Business Plan Template
Financial Proformas Template

Business Plan Resources

What to Include in a Business Plan
Start Your Business in 8 Steps

Funding Agreement

Funded by the Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.