Introduction

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong supports individuals who demonstrate a keen interest in self-employment as a means of creating self-employment and promoting additional Aboriginal employment. Program support is available to eligible SE participants in the form of ongoing technical advice, guidance, training and information on available financial and non-financial resources for business start-up and development while on the program.

Objective

To enable individuals seeking self-employment with assistance to launch and operate a successful business leading to self-employment and the creation of additional Aboriginal employment.

Guidelines

• Individuals must demonstrate that their business idea will create employment for themselves and have strong potential to create additional employment;
• Individuals must demonstrate a personal investment towards the business start-up in the form of cash, inventory, equipment or borrowed funds;
• Individuals must be able to commit and demonstrate that they are working on their business plan at least 35 hours per week;
• Self-Employment initiatives that contribute towards or support the overall economic development of GCT#3 are desirable.

Orientation Options

In our Self-Employment Program, we offer flexible orientation options. While we prioritize in-person sessions, we understand that travel can be challenging and costly for clients in remote areas. In these cases, we provide virtual orientation through Teams or Zoom to ensure all clients can access the program without unnecessary travel.

Applications for Assistance

Individuals requesting participation in the Self Employment Program must attend in-person application and orientation sessions that are mutually scheduled. The client must complete a self-assessment and Personal Information Form (PIF), submit a signed application for the proposed business venture, and share planned financial and personal investment information. Additional information may be requested to support application and/or to determine eligibility (i.e. resume).

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must have the required training, education and certification in order to be considered on the Program. In addition, participants must:

1. Be a Treaty#3 member who is unemployed;
2. Meet eligibility requirements of the Self Employment Program;
3. Be a resident in a First Nation or reside in an off-reserve urban/rural setting within Treaty #3 territory.
4. Be a member of a First Nation covered under the ISET (Indigenous Skills and Employment Training) agreement.

Financial Assistance

• Participants may be eligible to receive income support of $15.00 per hour or receive a top-up to their Employment Insurance benefits equivalent to their weekly allowance. This is based on a 35-hour week.
• Costs to cover additional business management related training.

Placement Duration

A participant can be placed in the Self-Employment Program for a maximum of 40 weeks depending on the type and complexity of the business venture involved. The placement is also determined by meeting the program terms and conditions, providing progress reports on business plan components on a timely basis, and scheduling progress meetings as required.

Assistance/Support Available

• Coaching tailored to individual needs;
• Ongoing technical advice on business plan development;
• An allowance based on $15 per hour for a 35-hour work week;
• Business management related training as determined by an assessment;
• Computer available for clients at SE office

Should you require additional information, please feel free to contact the Self-Employment Program Coordinator:

Haley Broadbent, Self-Employment Program Coordinator

haley.broadbent@shooniyaa.org

1-800-545-5113, ext. 263