Programs

Self-Employment Equity Program
Live Interactive Multimedia Webcast coming soon ...

Self-Employment Equity Program

Self-Employment Graduates, Intake 9, 2005 (see more graduating classes on the scrapbook page)

If you're considering the life-style of the self-employed you are in good company. Small business is a significant part of our vibrant British Columbia economy.

Entrepreneurs who go through our Self-Employment Equity Program are provided with the foundation to run a successful business. To succeed in today's competitive environment, business training and support are critical.

What is the Self-Employment Equity Program?

This is a program funded by Service Canada for people who would like to be in business for themselves. Applicants are individuals who are either currently on an active Employment Insurance claim or have exhausted a claim within the last three years; five years if it was a paternity/maternity claim.

What are the benefits of the SEE Program?

• You receive 10 weeks of business seminars: you will learn how to operate, market, and financially plan your business.
• You will develop your own Business Plan - a "take to the bank" Business Plan!
• You will have your own personal Business Advisor who will provide real life guidance. All of our Advisors and Facilitators are themselves entrepreneurs!
• You will receive financial support for a full 48 weeks in the form of continuing Employment Insurance benefits and/or a training allowance.
• You will have the opportunity to learn from insightful guest speakers from the local business community, attend workshops, networking opportunities and peer support groups.
• You will learn how to effectively sell your service or product.

What is expected of participants?

• You must make a personal investment of 25% of the Employment Insurance benefits you will receive over the 48 weeks: it can be in the form of cash, inventory, equipment or borrowed funds.
• You must make a full time commitment to the startup and launch of your business and meet the program deadlines.
• Your ability to be flexible and open to learning and advice is critical. We look for people who are passionate, creative, enthusiastic, optimistic, and who will contribute to the synergy that we create.

Why are we the Self-Employment Equity Program?

Preference is given to groups of people identified by Service Canada who face challenges in creating self-employment. They are women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, people with disabilities and men 45 or older.

Who can attend the SE Equity Program?

• You live in and plan to operate your business in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster, Tsawwassen, North Delta, Ladner, North or West Vancouver or Bowen Island.
• Those who are unemployed and legally entitle to work in Canada.
• Although preference is given to those who fit our equity targets, seats always go to the top candidates.

How do you apply?

• Attend an Information Session that presents information and answers questions on SE Equity Programs and receive an application form.
• Information Sessions are held every week, Thursday afternoons from 1 pm - 2 pm. Please contact us at our office:
  • Telephone: 604-642-6785
  • Email: all or email us info@towardexcellence.com.

Live Interactive Multimedia Webcast coming soon ...

Heart in Action with Toward Excellence are sponsoring the first Live Interactive Multimedia Webcast of classes in the Self-Employment Program.

Coming soon!

Live Interactive Multimedia Webcasts will provide global access to our business seminars. From wherever you are, you can participate in class in real time with voice-in and live visual of the facilitator and seminar room!