Skip to content
ENFR
Back to Benefits
Provincial Program · Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Self-Employment Assistance

NL Self-Employment

Newfoundland and Labrador's Self-Employment Assistance program provides financial and entrepreneurial help to unemployed people who want to start their own business instead of looking for a job. It supports you while you create your own employment through entrepreneurship.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Prepare a realistic business plan before applying, since it is required. If you may be eligible for Employment Insurance, check how that affects your application. The program can help you turn self-employment into a stable income, so think about a business suited to your skills and any disability-related accommodations you need.

Required Documents

Proof you are unemployed and legally entitled to work in Canada, a viable business plan, and confirmation of which qualifying condition you meet (such as being an EI-eligible or formerly self-employed person).

How to Apply

Apply through the NL government Self-Employment Assistance page. You must be unemployed and legally entitled to work in Canada, and meet one of the program's qualifying conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not checking whether you qualify for Employment Insurance first, since EI-eligible people in some situations are handled differently. Another is not having a viable business plan, which is required. People also miss that you must be unemployed to apply.

Preparing an application?

The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.

Open Application Helper

You may also be eligible for…

NL RentalProvincial

Newfoundland and Labrador Rental Housing Program

Subsidized rental housing for eligible low-income Newfoundland and Labrador households.

View details
NL SCWAProvincial

Newfoundland and Labrador Special Child Welfare Allowance

The Special Child Welfare Allowance (SCWA) is a Newfoundland and Labrador program for families who are financially eligible and have a child with a diagnosed developmental or physical disability living at home. It provides monthly assistance so families can purchase items and services necessary because of the child's disability.

View details
NLCBProvincial

Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) is a provincial tax credit for low-income families raising children under 18. It is paid together with the federal Canada Child Benefit, so families receive both in one monthly payment.

View details

Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Plan Institute — Disability Planning Helpline

National

Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.

Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request

1-844-311-7526Website
Government-funded navigation service

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada — GAIN Program

National

The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.

Languages: English, French

1-844-887-8572Website
Government-funded navigation service

Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

National

Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-250-381-7303 (BC); 1-613-899-6893 (National Coordinator, Ottawa)Website

Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

Disability AdvocacyNewfoundland and Labrador

Inclusion Newfoundland and Labrador

Supports inclusion and community participation for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

View details
Disability AdvocacyNewfoundland and Labrador

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland & Labrador

Provides programs, information, advocacy and support for people who are hard of hearing.

View details
HealthcareNewfoundland and Labrador

Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador

Provides information, education, advocacy and support for people living with epilepsy and their families.

View details

Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

base44
Edit with Base44