Self Employment Program

The Community Futures Self Employment program provides financial assistance to Employment Insurance or Reachback eligible applicants who want to start their own business or purchase an existing business, in which they have had no prior ownership.

The program provides income support, business plan development support, a variety of business skills development workshops, one-on-one mentoring, business counselling, collaboration with peers and experiential learning in hands-on workshops.

Community Futures has operated the program continuously for 25 years and has an excellent track record of successful business start-ups through this program. The business plans that result from the program are comprehensive, market driven and highly regarded by industry.

How do you get started?

For those individuals who are Employment Insurance or Reachback eligible, you will require a referral from WorkBC to pursue the Self Employment Program, therefore you must contact WorkBC, meet with an Employment Counselor and attend an Self Employment Orientation Session. If suitable and eligible, following the Orientation Session at WorkBC, you will be referred to Community Futures to attend an Assess Your Business Idea Workshop.

For those who would like more information about the program and your funding options, please call Community Futures at 250-868-2132 ext. 224 to book an appointment to explore your options.

WorkBC Employment Service Centre locations and contact numbers

West Kelowna: 778-741-0155
111-3011 Louie Dr, West Kelowna, BC, V4T 3E3
Kelowna - Capri: 778-738-0225
107-1835 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4
Rutland: 778-738-2909
40-31 Hwy 33 West, Kelowna, BC, V1X 1X8

I've attended the Orientation Session at WorkBC – what is my next step?

You must attend the Assess Your Business Idea workshop before being considered for the Self-Employment Program. Click here for more information on the Assess Your Business Idea Workshop.

I'm ready! How do I write a plan?

The Self-Employment Program includes instruction on how to write a business plan. Click here for more information on the Business Plan Development Bootcamp.

What other help does Community Futures provide?

We offer loans, business counselling and business development programs for start-up or expansion – click here to find out more about Community Futures Lending.

or call 250-868-2132 to meet with a business counsellor to explore your options.

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