Self-Employment
Self-employment services are available from your nearest Community Futures office.
Are you a person with a disability? Connect to our Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program.
Services from myCommunityFutures
Workshops are available through an account with myCommunityFutures. 
Workshops are free if the startup is located in a community that has experienced economic challenges. The services are otherwise available on a fee-for-service basis. Confirm eligibility by opening an account and looking at 'My Coverage' in the account dashboard.
Services from your local Community Futures office
Each office across BC has their own individual services offered for starting a business. By reaching out you will be informed about the steps needed to develop your business model and business plan, along with other helpful resources. If you choose to pursue financing they will guide you through their application and assessment process.
Get a Head Start
Get a Head Start
- Business Plan Template (automatic download in MS Word)
- Cash Flow Template (automatic download in MS Excel)
The WorkBC Self-Employment Program
In some communities the WorkBC Self-Employment Program is is delivered by Community Futures. The program offers income supports delivered over a series of week, with business plan development, workshops and mentoring.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently on an active Employment Insurance (EI) claim, or
- Have an EI claim that ended in the past 60 months (with no subsequent disqualifications for quitting a job), or
- Be a BCEA PWD or PPMB client, or
- Be deemed eligible by WorkBC
- Have paid into EI 5 of the past 10 years with annial declared income over $3,000
- Have filed their tax return for most of the recent tax year
- Be a general WorkBC client with a documented disability
Additional criteria may apply. Contact your local WorkBC office to learn more.
