How Do I Submit an Application?
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People interested in the Aspire Self Employment Program must get a referral from an Employment Coach at the Sunshine Coast Employment Center in Sechelt. To book an appointment with an Employment Coach call 604-885-7443.
Attend a half day Information Session. Information Sessions are held the first Wednesday of every month from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm and the third Wednesday of every month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. After learning about the program in detail at the Information Session and if you still think the program is for you then make an appointment with your Employment Coach to discuss starting the application process.
Attend a half day Application Workshop for a detailed review of all the application package forms - one of the forms is a mini-business plan. You'll learn how to complete the application forms and about the program selection process.
Apply by completing all the Aspire Self Employment Program application forms and submitting them by the the deadline. Deadlines are posted on our website under the "Schedule" link.
Approximately one week after you've handed in your application package present yourself to the Aspire Application Review Committee - a panel of 3 local business people - who will review and select applicants to forward to the Province of BC for final approval.
What We Offer
The Aspire Self Employment Program helps you make a transition from unemployment to business ownership. We've helped over 140 new entrepreneurs launch businesses on the Sunshine Coast over the last 5 years.
Who May Apply
The program offers 48 weeks of income support for men and women 19 or older who are receiving general Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or whose benefits have been exhausted within the past three years (5 years for Employment Insurance (EI) maternal/parental benefits).
The Training Program
Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British
Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, Aspire offers business skills training
and coaching for 48 weeks. We guide you through the process of writing a business
plan. As well, our staff and business advisors offer one-on-one assistance, workshops
and business coaching.
Phase One:
Business Plan Development - During the first ten weeks, participants attend workshops and study independently to learn how to successfully start and manage their business, prepare a comprehensive business plan and receive individual consultation and feedback on their business plans.
Phase Two:
Business Launch - As businesses are launched, the Aspire
team continue providing advice and support in all areas of business development.
Information Session
Join us at one of our twice monthly Information Sessions held the first
Wednesday of every month from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm and the third Wednesday of every month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Aspire staff will walk you through the program details and answer
all of your questions.
Selection Criteria
All applications are reviewed and those who qualify for the program are interviewed by an Application Review Panel.
When are the Programs Offered?
Visit
our "Schedule" page to find out when the next Program
is offered.
Testimonials
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