“It’s not a right. It’s a privilege.” This is the most commonly shared sentiment among Community Futures’ most successful entrepreneurs that started their business journey by making an application as an eligible participant to the Self-Employment (SE) program. In addition to sharing the basic belief that initiative, effort and commitment will be required to be approved to the SE program we have found other common traits of successful program applicants that start with building on a solid foundation consisting of having:
• Supportive and understanding family and friends
• Taken past financial obligations seriously
• Stable living accommodations
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and achieve goals
Successful SE program applicants who have been able to launch themselves from a solid foundation into a successful, viable, sustainable business share the fundamental abilities to:
• Achieve the entrepreneurial balance of producing and/or selling a product or service and successfully manage the process
• Be flexible and responsive to market demands and;
• Generate revenues to sustain the business and themselves
The SE program, administered by Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot (CFAC), is designed to assist eligible applicants with the establishment of a new or purchase of an existing business as a viable personal income-generating endeavour that also adds value to the community’s small business fabric. In addition to receiving business coaching and entrepreneurial skill development resources from experienced and skilled experts of CFAC those who qualify and are approved to the full program may receive financial support for up to one year.
You may be eligible to apply to the SE program if:
• You are currently receiving employment insurance, or have collected employment insurance within the past three years
• You are legally entitled to work in Canada
• Your plans include either starting a new business or purchasing an existing one in which you have not had prior ownership
• You will be a majority owner of an independent business, or majority share ownership with partners
• You are not perceived to already be in business
If you think you may be eligible and if you think that you have a potentially viable, sustainable business idea along with the commitment to, at least, investigate its prospects then please contact the Alberni Valley Employment Centre to discuss your interest in the SE program. They will discuss your interest with you, confirm whether or not you are eligible and, if eligible for the SE program, will provide you with a referral to meet with the CFAC SE program advisor, Deb Haggard. The employment centre has offices in Port Alberni (250-724-4565), Tofino (250-725-8805) and Ucluelet (250-726-4243). There are numerous businesses operating in all of these communities that got their start under the SE program.