Karen asked:

My brother is presently laid-off from his work and wants to start a cabinet manufacturing business in Surrey, British Columbia. He has no money to start off with and is interested in a government grant to get his company off the ground. He has a strong business plan and has done a lot of research. Could you please aid us with information as to where he can go to for such a grant?

Donna McFadden answered:

Your brother might be eligible for a Self-Employment Program. This is a program to assist people with business start-up and is sponsored by Human Resources Development Canada.

He would have to be currently receiving EI benefits or have exhausted a claim within the past three years. If he qualifies, the program provides approximately two and one-half months (four half-days per week) of seminars on topics such as Operations, Marketing, Market Research, Business Finance, Sales, etc. and a total of 48 weeks of income benefits. Monies earned from the business during the 48 weeks are not deducted from income benefits.

I would also advise him go to the business section of the Vancouver Public Library and ask for resource materials that list funding agencies and requirements.

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