Checklist
Procedures for submitting an application
regarding Self-Employment Assistance measure (SEA)
Self-Employment Assistance measure (SEA)
The SEA measure consists of financial assistance for people living with disabilities that allows them to become selfemployed or to start a business. It is especially interesting for people who need flexibility in their schedule due to their
limitations.
PROCEDURES for submitting an application
***Please note that all necessary files for submitting an application are available at***
www.sphere-qc.ca/en/application-for-financial-assistance or through your project officer.
Step 1: Initial idea assessment
1. Using your usual analysis tools and knowledge of the participant, conduct an initial idea assessment by
checking whether, in your opinion, the proposed type of self-employment could be a valid and interesting
option according to their limitations, professional qualifications and experience.
2. If you think the option is realistic, ask the participant to fill out the Self-employment: an option to
consider Guide, mandatory to study a request.
This customized tool will help you and your participant through the process.
 Note: According to a participant’s limitation, they may require support to fill out the Guide. Do not
hesitate to contact your project officer to discuss the matter, if needed.
Take notice: If your participant already has a business plan, parts of the Guide do not have to be filled
out. Contact your project officer to confirm which parts apply.
3. Fill out page 3 of the Application-for-Subsidy – Self-employment Assistance form.
4. After consultation, if your participant still wishes to submit the project to SPHERE-Québec, proceed to
step 2.
Step 2: Preparing an application
1. Complete the Eligibility-Verification-Application form. Once filed, eligibility is valid for 2 months.
2. Have the participant fill out the Participant-Information-Appendix.
3. In addition to the two documents, include in the application a copy of page 3 of the Application-for-Subsidy –
Self-employment Assistance form and a copy of the Self-Employment: An option to consider Guide, and
proceed to step 3.
 Note: It is vital that the analysis committee grasps the gist of the project, as well as a complete understanding
of the participant’s reality in the documents added to the file.
Suite au verso
SPHERE-Québec
www.sphere-qc.ca
sphere@sphere-qc.ca
Québec
Montréal and outside Québec City
Telephone
418 522-4747
514 904-2606
Toll free
1 888 455-4334
1 866 239-1177
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Fax
418 522-7042
514 522-5229
Step 3: Submitting the application
Send the complete file by fax, email or mail to your project officer (it will be forwarded to the selection committee).
 Note: The selection committee’s analysis period is based on the applications received and available budgets. While
analysing a file, it is possible that a committee member will contact the employment counsellor to request
additional information.
Step 4: Acceptance / Rejection
1. When a project is accepted,
a. SPHERE-Québec contacts the employment counsellor;
b. An initial meeting is planned;
c. A multidisciplinary team is created to assist the participant in the development and completion of the
project. The team consists of the participant, his employment counsellor, a business startup
consultant and the SPHERE-Québec project officer.
2. If the committee rejects a project, a letter explaining the decision is sent to the employment counsellor.
At that point, the counsellor can contact the project officer for more information, if necessary.
3. Project acceptance may be conditional on file adjustments which will be explained to the employment
counsellor. After making the required adjustments, it is possible to return the application to the selection
committee for renewed analysis.
COLLABORATOR RESPONSIBILITY
Employment Counsellor
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Business startup
Counsellor
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SPHERE-Québec Project
Officer
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Does the initial idea assessment
Prepares and submits the application to SPHERE-Québec.
Handles the psychosocial angle when necessary.
If necessary, raises collaborators’ awareness of the file’s peculiarities and
participant’s limitations.
Takes part in follow-up meetings.
Assesses the participant’s entrepreneurial profile, financial requirements and
project feasibility and viability.
Assists the participant at implementing their business plan (customized or
conventional business plan, market study, seeking financing).
Follows up the person’s professional activities.
Takes part in follow-up meetings.
Informs collaborators of funding opportunities (SEA measures or others) and
delivers the documents required.
Coordinates the project, forwards information and ensures liaison between
collaborators. Organizes and participates in follow-up meetings.
Ensures that the project objectives are met.
SPHERE-Québec is committed to participants’ self-employment project success.
We believe that partnership works the best. Our flexible approach stands out and our team is creative, partnering with
collaborators and finding practical and effective solutions that promote inclusiveness.
OUR GOAL: TRANSFORM PROJECTS INTO SUCCESS… WITH YOU!
SPHERE-Québec
www.sphere-qc.ca
sphere@sphere-qc.ca
Québec
Montréal and outside Québec City
Telephone
418 522-4747
514 904-2606
Toll free
1 888 455-4334
1 866 239-1177
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Fax
418 522-7042
514 522-5229