LAMBAC Newsletter

Can't find a job?  Create one!

LAMBAC is an agent contracted for the administration of the national Self-Employment Employment Benefit (SEEB) Program.  This program exists for those currently on the Employment Insurance Benefit Program and who would like to extend their benefit in order to start a new business.  The stated objective of the program is to provide unemployed Employment Insurance eligible individuals with income and entrepreneurial support while they develop and implement their business plan.

For more information or to begin the application process online go to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's (HRSDC) web page describing the program, or go to the local HRSDC office at the Espanola Mall.

Though your eligibility for the program must first be established through an application to HRSDC, you can also contact LAMBAC's Business Service Officer, Louise McKeen, by phone or email if you have further questions.   

1. Your eligibility must first be established through an application either on-line or in person to HRSDC as described above.  See below for eligibility requirements.   You will be referred to the Sudbury Vocational Resource Centre (SVRC) in the Espanola Mall for the evaluation of your eligibility.  They can be contacted at:

   Espanola Mall
   Suite 110
   Espanola, ON, P5E 1J3
   Tel: (705) 869-2366
   Email: svrc@svrc.on.ca
   Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    

2. Once your eligibility is established, you will be referred to LAMBAC in order to develop and submit a business plan.  Part of this plan may be that you need further financing to start your business.  It is possible that you can be approved for both the SEB program and a business loan from LAMBAC at the same time.  See our business loans page for more information.  For assistance in business planning see our Information for Entrepreneurs page.   Louise is also available to assist you with business planning and cash flow forecasts.

3. The process is then the same as if you were applying for a business loan from LAMBAC.  Your application is reviewed by LAMBAC's Board of Directors, who make the final decision about whether to approve it.  The Board of Directors is made up of successful local volunteer business and municipal leaders and usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month.   To be considered, your application must be submitted to LAMBAC at least one week before that month's meeting in order to be circulated to the Board of Directors with sufficient time for them to review it before they make a decision.

   The criteria used in the decision making process are:

   • the business is located in LAMBAC's coverage area

   • employment is created / maintained

   • your business plan is complete

   • it is a viable business

   • owner has sufficient equity

4. You will be notified of the results of the review of your application in the days immediately following the Board of Directors meeting.  Usually your SEEB application will simply be either approved or not approved, but there may be times when you will be asked to provide further information regarding your application.

5. If your application is approved then HRSDC will be notified, you will sign an agreement form  and you will begin to receive your benefits.  It is only at this time that you should begin working in your business.

Eligible participants are those who, subject to the Employment Insurance Act, are unemployed individuals who at the time of applying to the SEEB program:

1. for whom an unemployment period has been established or has ended within the last 36 months prior to the date of requesting assistance; or

2. for whom a benefit period that included a maternity or parental claim has been established within the 60 months prior to the date of requesting assistance, after which the individual remained out of the labour market in order to care for a newborn or newly adopted child and is now seeking to re-enter the labour force.

3. You must not quit a job or already be working in your business before applying or being approved for the SEEB program.

Other criteria may apply.

If you are eligible and your business plan is accepted, you will receive financial and entrepreneurial support for a maximum of 52 weeks (up to 78 weeks for an individual with a disability) to help you start your own business and become self-employed.  LAMBAC will be your coordinator/sponsor providing this business assistance.

Benefits are usually biweekly payments equalling $413 per week.  Your 52 week term begins at the time of your acceptance into the SEEB program, regardless of how long you have been receiving other EI benefits.