Funded Programs

The objective of the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB) program is to provide entrepreneurial skills development support to approved participants to help them develop & implement their business plan and to become self-employed.

The Niagara College Business Development Centre delivers the OSEB program for residents of the following areas in the Niagara Region:

• Beamsville
• Grimsby
• Jordan
• Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Niagara Falls
• St. Ann's
• St. Catharines
• Thorold
• Vineland

Upcoming 2010 Information Sessions

• August 10
• September 14
• October 12
• November 9
• December 14

You must register in advance for the sessions, as space is limited, and there are some documents that you must bring with you to the session in order to apply -- see below.

If you live in the Niagara Region but are outside the areas listed above, go here for a list of delivery agents in other areas.

If you're on Social Assistance, you may be eligible for similar funding through Ontario Works. Go here for more information.

In Ontario the Self-Employment Benefit Program is funded through and overseen by Employment Ontario. If you qualify, this program gives you the opportunity to start your own business and receive income support as determined by the Employment and Training Division of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You'll also receive the expert training and guidance in setting up your business that plays a large role in your long-term business success.

The First Steps

Free information sessions are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3pm at the Niagara College Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

You must register in advance for the sessions, as space is limited, and there are some documents that you must bring with you to the session in order to apply (see below).

The first step in finding out if you're eligible for this Program is to attend one of our free monthly Information Sessions. Information Sessions are currently held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 3pm at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. Seating is limited; you must register in advance to attend.

At the session you'll be provided with detailed information about what the program involves and the eligibility requirements, and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions specific to your own situation. You can then fill out the preliminary forms required for us to check your eligibility with Employment Ontario.

You MUST bring a pen and the following THREE documents with you to the Information Session:

1. NEW: You must bring a copy of your current EI claim status. The document is called "My Current Claim"; you can obtain a copy at your EI office, or you can go here to pull up a copy online on the Service Canada website.
2. You will need to print out and complete a Business Concept Summary and bring it with you to the Information Session. Download a copy of the form; select "File", then "Print", to print the 3-page form. Printed copies of the form are also available in our office in Rm W115 of the NOTL campus.
3. You will also need to bring a copy of your standard resume.

For more information and to register call 905-641-2252 ext. 4456. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus is located just off the QEW and Glendale Avenue, at 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Go here for a map of our location and driving directions.

The OSEB program at the Business Development Centre includes:

• Ongoing mentoring and consulting services from business experts
• Business plan assistance
• Access to resources and information for market research
• Ongoing seminars and workshops
• Opportunities to network and make valuable contacts

Advantages of Our Program

• Our Advisors come from real-world business backgrounds, and a number of them are Certified International Business Counsellors under the APEC-IBIZ program. Their knowledge, business counselling and mentoring skills are unmatched.
  
• Our Business Basics Program. Business Basics provides you with the knowledge and skills that you need to operate a successful small business. View details on how the Business Basics program will help you succeed.
• Our Ongoing Mentoring And Counselling. Business advisors meet with each client on a monthly basis for one full year, providing business advice, coaching, guidance and support.
• Additional Support in areas such as legal, financial and marketing. Business Advisors or Consultants who have expertise in those fields are available to assist your particular needs.

If You Don't Qualify or You Need to Start Quickly

If you're not eligible for Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB) program funding, or if you have clients lined up and need to get your business going quickly, check out our Start a Business services. We can provide you with the training you need to set up your business, and follow-up mentoring as you begin to operate.