Striving for More Through Self-Employment

CORNER BROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — After completing her Information Processing diploma in 1992, Tracey Pells had a hard time finding secure work in her field of study. She took on a variety of short-term, low-paying jobs, but aspired to some day run her own business.

Tracey did research into what programs would be available to her if she decided to take on this challenge. She came across Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s (HRSDC) Self-Employment (SE) program, an Employment Benefit and Support Measure under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA). The Self-Employment program is one of a broad range of Employment Insurance training programs that provide financial assistance to help unemployed Canadians find jobs and employers find workers.

While working for the Pasadena Pitch and Putt as a shop attendant, Tracey learned that the business was for sale. The Pasadena Pitch and Putt is a lounge open year-round to golfers looking to practice and perfect their technique. Tracey really enjoyed working there and felt that taking over the business would be a good opportunity for her.

The Self-Employment program helped Tracey move forward on her career goals and lease the business. Starting in November 2008, Tracey started receiving funding through the program. In total, she is receiving almost $11,000 over 52 weeks. “The first year of business is always the hardest—financially, physically and emotionally—but because of this program, I’ve been able to hire two employees who have been of great help to me and my business, and I still get to receive a steady income for myself,” she says.

Tracey adds, “Everyone that I’ve dealt with while going through this program has been of tremendous help to me, and has helped me every step of the way—from informing me about programs I was eligible for, to helping me with my business plan, right down to filling out the paperwork that was required.”

Tracey’s business is a success. She has been running it for over a year now and reports that she has made a profit every month since leasing it. “I would most definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to start their own business. It’s made a big difference in the outcome of my business, my career and my life,” she says.

In addition to improving her own employment situation through the Self Employment program, Tracey has hired an individual through HRSDC’s Targeted Wage Subsidy program, which provides employers with financial assistance to hire eligible unemployed individuals to help them enhance their skills and improve their employability. Tracey has indicated that she plans to keep this employee on a full-time basis upon completion of the agreement

HRSDC has LMDAs with all of the provinces and territories that define how employment programs, known as Employment Benefits and Support Measures, are designed and delivered. On November 2, 2009, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will assume responsibility for the LMDA.

To support Canadians during the global recession and invest in the country’s long-term growth, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is investing an additional $1 billion over two years under existing LMDAs with the provinces and territories. This additional funding will respond to the higher demand for skills training and the changing needs of Employment Insurance clients as a result of increased unemployment.