Ontario Self-Employment Benefit


The Ontario Self-Employment Benefit helps unemployed people start their own businesses. It can provide:

  • Financial help
  • Advice on planning a business
  • Help as you start your business

Who is it for?

You may qualify for the program if you:

  • Are unemployed
  • Are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI), or were eligible within the past three years
  • Left work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, and were eligible for Employment Insurance maternity or parental benefits within the past five years.

Important to know!

You need to apply for this program. The date that your completed application is received by Employment Ontario is the date that will be used to determine your eligibility. It is important to apply as soon as possible.

Where can I learn more?

Talk to a counsellor at the assessment centre in your community and find out if this program is right for you. You can use the map feature on this website to find this service in your area.