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Recent guides
Deductions · 8 min

Every deduction Canadian small businesses miss

Grants · 10 min

8 grants every Canadian founder should know about

Deductions · 7 min

The Small Business Deduction, fully explained

© 2026 DeductlyPrivacyTermsAboutFrançaisContact
All systems operational

Deductly is a discovery tool, not a tax filer. Information is provided for educational purposes. Always confirm program details and eligibility with a qualified Canadian accountant before applying or claiming any benefit.

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GRANTCLOSEDOntario

Ontario Self-Employment Benefit

Last verified: June 2026

Income support for unemployed Ontarians starting a business. Pay yourself while you bootstrap. Highly competitive but life-changing for new entrepreneurs who qualify.

This program has closed to new applicants

Discontinued (ended 2016) We keep this page for reference, but we will not recommend it as a current match.

Browse programs that are open
Estimated value
Up to $13,520 over 42 weeks
Approval likelihood
Low
Ready to apply score
50/100
Documents needed
3

Eligibility

  • Business types:self-employed
  • Industries:All industries
  • Provinces:Ontario
  • Max business age:1 years

What you'll need

  • Business plan and viability assessment
  • Proof of unemployment status
  • Personal financial information

How to apply

  1. 1Contact your local Employment Ontario office
  2. 2Attend a self-employment information session
  3. 3Submit business plan for assessment
  4. 4Receive income support while business launches
Deadline:Discontinued (ended 2016)

Is your business a fit for Ontario Self-Employment Benefit?

Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.

Check my eligibility

Related programs

GRANT

FedDev Ontario Business Scale-Up

Up to $10,000,000 (most awards much smaller)

GRANT

FedNor Northern Ontario Development Program

Up to $500,000 (most awards under $100K)

GRANT

Toronto Commercial Façade Improvement Grant

50% of costs up to $12,500, plus up to $2,500 for AODA upgrades and bonuses for multi-unit properties

A monthly digest

New programs, in your inbox.

We are in beta. Drop your email and we will write when the first digest is ready. Monthly cadence, easy unsubscribe.

Deductly CA

Every Canadian grant, tax credit, and deduction your business qualifies for. In one ranked list.

Start the assessment
Product
  • Eligibility quiz
  • All programs
  • Watch (live changes)
  • The funding journey
  • When to apply
  • Stackability map
  • Document checklist
  • Calculators
  • Tracker
  • Learn
  • Pricing
Resources
  • For accountants
  • Public API
  • RSS feed
  • What's new
  • Roadmap
  • Press
  • vs ChatGPT
  • vs Benefits Finder
By province
  • Ontario
  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Quebec
  • Manitoba
  • Saskatchewan
By industry
  • Technology & Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & E-commerce
  • Food & Beverage
  • Professional Services
  • Creative & Media
For
Women entrepreneursNewcomersIndigenous businessYouth foundersBlack entrepreneursFirst-hire employers
Recent guides
Deductions · 8 min

Every deduction Canadian small businesses miss

Grants · 10 min

8 grants every Canadian founder should know about

Deductions · 7 min

The Small Business Deduction, fully explained

© 2026 DeductlyPrivacyTermsAboutFrançaisContact
All systems operational

Deductly is a discovery tool, not a tax filer. Information is provided for educational purposes. Always confirm program details and eligibility with a qualified Canadian accountant before applying or claiming any benefit.