NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION YMCA-YWCA
ENTERPRISE CENTRE
ONTARIO SELF EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PROGRAM (OSEB)
APPLICATION PACKAGE
In order for your application to be considered, this application
must be completed and delivered, in person, to:
YMCA-YWCA
180 Argyle, 3rd Fl.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
1pm to 3 pm
Interviews will not be granted to those who submit an
incomplete application and extensions will not be given.
The National Capital YMCA-YWCA Enterprise Centre
does not provide financing or start-up capital.
National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA de la région de la capitale nationale
Table of Contents
PART 1
Contact Information, Education & Training
Determination of Assets & Financial Needs
page 3
PART 2
Entrepreneurial Skills & Self-Assessment
page 6
PART 3
Business Concept Outline
page 9
Appendix 1
Scoring & Evaluation
page 11
Appendix 2
12 Month Financial Projection Template
page 15
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National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA de la région de la capitale nationale
PART 1
Contact Information, Education & Training
Determination of Assets & Financial Needs
Proposed Name of Business
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Type of Business
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
First & Last Name
______________________________________________________________________
Address
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Postal Code
______________________________________________________________________
Social Insurance Number
______________________________________________________________________
Telephone
Other Telephone
______________________________________________________________________
Email Address
______________________________________________________________________
Languages Spoken
Speak
Read
Write
English
_____
_____
_____
French
_____
_____
_____
Other
_____
_____
_____
Note: You must provide a copy of your resume with this application package
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Education Level Achieved
Details
Primary
______________________________________
Secondary
______________________________________
Community College
______________________________________
University
______________________________________
Trade
______________________________________
Professional
______________________________________
Additional Training
______________________________________
Have you applied for the SEB program previously?
Yes
No
Please describe any steps you have already taken to becoming self-employed.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT
For your application to be considered you must date and sign this section.
Has your business name already been registered?
Yes
No
If yes, please provide details:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Are you currently active in a business venture?
Yes
No
If yes, please provide details:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
I acknowledge that I have fully disclosed my business activities to date, if any, and understand
that the information provided may be subject to verification or audit. I certify the information
provided above to be true and complete as of the date of signing this application:
Signature
__________________________________________
Date
__________________________________________
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National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA de la région de la capitale nationale
Statement of Personal Investment
Include only what you are prepared to commit to the proposed business.
Cash:
Other sources of capital: (credit cards, lines of credit, securities)
$_______________
$_______________
Equipment or tools (description/quantity):
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
Vehicle(s) to be used for the business:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
$_______________
$_______________
Calculate at monthly payment X % use for the business X 9.5 months
Or a maximum of 20% of current value if vehicle is fully paid for
Space & Real Estate:
_______________________________________
$_______________
Calculated at the monthly payment X % use for the business X 9.5 months
Or if owned, the monthly rental value X % use for the business X 9.5 months
Other Related Assets:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
$_______________
Include any inventory, books, professional memberships, training courses
or other items that you have and will assist you in your business.
Total of all values above:
$_______________
Please note:
The personal investment required to start your business, a minimum of $ 4,441.50, can be a
combination of cash and in kind. This amount is based upon 25% of the benefit you would
receive while on the program ($423 x 42 wks = $ 17,776 x 25% = $ 4,441.50).
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PART 2
Entrepreneurial Skills & Self-Assessment
1. SELF-EMPLOYMENT AS AN OPTION
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING SELF-EMPLOYED
(Check the three most important points, in order of priority 1,2,3)
_________ to be my own boss
_________ to be independent
_________ to work irregular hours
_________ to work at home
_________ to work in an area I enjoy
_________ to run a family business
_________ to earn a good income
_________ to continue to care for my family while I work
_________ to get off unemployment insurance/social assistance
_________ other (explain below)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
WHAT DO YOU NEED, TO START A BUSINESS OR BECOME SELF-EMPLOYED?
_________ training in how to start a business
_________ training in how to manage a business
_________ training in a specific skill (explain below)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_________ help in making business contacts
_________ help with building self-confidence
_________ help with business planning
_________ one-on-one business counseling
_________ personal counseling
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_________ help in finding money for start up costs
_________ child care
_________ continued EI Benefits while starting a business
_________ other (explain below)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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2. DO YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR YOUR` BUSINESS?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. WHAT LEVEL OF INCOME DO YOU NEED FROM YOUR BUSINESS TO SUPPORT
YOUR LIFESTYLE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS AFTER THE PROGRAM IS FINISHED?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. SKILLS ASSESSMENT
RANK EACH OF THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS SKILLS BASED ON YOUR
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE, STUDIES AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF
THE FIELD.
1
2
3
4
5
=
=
=
=
=
Little or no knowledge
Some knowledge but would need help
Average knowledge but still may need some help from others
Good knowledge, could help others
Expert knowledge, could help and teach others
Business Skill
Identifying opportunities
Formulating ideas
Goal setting
Developing the Business Plan
Obtaining technical assistance
Selecting the type of ownership
Planning the marketing strategy
Locating the business
Financing the business
Dealing with legal issues
Managing human resources
Promoting the business
Managing sales efforts
Problem solving
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Total:
___+ ___+ ___+ ___+ ___
Add the number in each column for your total score: ____________
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SCORING THE BUSINESS SKILLS ASSESSMENT
Add your score for each column. For example, if you have circled 5 in the 1’s column,
your score for column 1 is 5  1 = 5. If you have circled 3 in the number 5 column, your
total score for column 5 is 3  5 = 15.
After totaling each column, add the column totals to obtain your total score.
INTERPRETING THE BUSINESS SKILLS ASSESSMENT
If your total score is less than 30:
You will need a lot of professional help and assistance to operate your business.
Unless you have the funds to purchase consulting expertise and hire the right
employees to compensate for weaknesses, operating an independent business
may not be the best option for you. Perhaps a franchise or buying an established
business may be an option.
If your total score is 31 to 54:
You likely have the necessary skills to operate an independent business.
However, you should review the categories where you ranked yourself less than
3. These categories may cause problems for you. You should plan to
compensate for these weaknesses by taking courses or reading books on these
topics to improve you knowledge and skills. Another option is to hire professional
advisors to cover these weaker areas or hire employees with knowledge and
skills in these areas.
If your total score is more than 55:
You are likely a very skilled businessperson with expertise and skills in many
areas of operating a business. However, you should review the categories
where you ranked yourself less than 3. These categories may cause problems
for you. You should plan to compensate for these weaknesses by taking courses
or reading books on these topics to improve your knowledge and skills. Another
option is to hire professional advisors to cover these weaker areas or hire
employees with knowledge and skills in these areas.
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PART 3
Business Concept Outline
Applicants must provide responses to the following 14 sections in order to qualify for the OSEB
program. Applicants will be scored and evaluated on each response. Details on the scoring process
may be reviewed at the end of this application in Appendix 1. Please attach your typewritten answers
to the application when completed.
1. Business concept
Please provide a thorough and clearly defined outline of your overall business concept. Specify
what you plan to offer, the opportunity and how you intend to make money through your
business.
2. Projected sales and expenses for the first year
Provide your projected sales and expenses for the first year using the OSEB Application Sales
Projection Template following this section. Support your projections to demonstrate viability.
Refer to Appendix 2 for more information about the template.
3. Financial resources
Provide a thorough outline of the financial resources necessary to start up and maintain your
business over the first year.
4. Evidence of your ability to access financial resources
Provide proof of your ability to access the necessary funds to contribute to your business.
These may include bank statements, statements showing your available line of credit, bank or
financial institution letters, assets, overdraft, letter of commitment from investors etc.
5. Other resources
Identify resources that will be necessary to start and maintain your business. This may include
tools, computers, equipment, human resources, mentors/support, professional support
services, suppliers and distributors. Also include restrictions, legal considerations, and licenses
or bylaws that may affect your business
6. Evidence of your ability to access other resources
Include letters of intent, supplier information, memberships/associations and other affiliations.
Indicate if your home-based business requires permission from your landlord and whether or
not you have obtained it.
7. Relevant skills
Provide information regarding your past work experience, training, education and relevant or
transferable skills to support your proposed business. Include degrees, diplomas, certificates,
volunteer work and seminars or workshops you have taken. A recent version of your resume
must be included in this section.
8. Target markets
Identify potential customers and specify who your primary, secondary and tertiary markets are.
Provide details of each and summarize their demographic (age, income, gender) and
psychographic (opinions, beliefs, values and interests) information.
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9. Marketing strategy
Provide an outline of how you intend to reach and motivate your target audiences. Identify
strategies and tactics you will use, promotional materials and efforts you will carry out and
specific methods and activities you will implement to effectively market your business.
10. Sales
Outline techniques and methods you will use to connect with your customers and how you will
motivate them to buy your products or services. Detail why you think your sales strategies will
be effective.
11. Supply and distribution
Identify how your products or services will reach customers and provide details on potential
supply and distribution methods.
12. Competition
Provide an exhaustive list of direct and indirect competitors for the proposed business and how
your product or service differs in comparison. Outline how you will position your business in
relation to your competition and what sets you apart.
13. Sustainability
Refer to your responses in Part 1: Entrepreneurial Skills & Self Assessment and demonstrate
how your business will sustain your required level of income. Detail how you plan to develop
and grow your venture in the first year to achieve this goal.
14. Business development
Indicate the current development stage your product or service is at and provide details on
how long it will take to get to market. Provide proof through samples, prototypes, pictures,
demonstrations, documentation to support your current development stage.
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National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA de la région de la capitale nationale
Appendix 1
Scoring & Evaluation
Applicants must provide responses to all 14 sections in order to qualify for the OSEB program. A
score of 0 to 4 is given for each response and a total is calculated out of a possible of 56 points.
Points are given for each section according to the rubrics below.
1. Business concept
Category
Clearly defined
business concept
Client is able to
clearly state the
proposed product
or service to be
offered. The
products or
services offered
have a common
focus.
Level 1
Business concept
presented is
unclear and lacks
a common focus.
Level 2
Business concept
presented with
limited clarity.
Products or
services offered
have some
common focus but
lack some detail.
Level 3
Generally presents
a clear business
concept and
products or
services
demonstrate a
common focus.
Level 4
Clearly presents a
business concept
and products or
services
demonstrate
clearly a common
focus.
Sales and
expenses
presented
demonstrate some
ability to be
financially viable
with several
omissions or
errors
Sales and
expenses
presented
demonstrate ability
to be financial
viable with few
omissions or
errors
Sales and
expenses
presented clearly
demonstrate ability
to be financial
viable
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
what is necessary
with several
omissions or
errors
Demonstrates
understanding of
what is necessary
with few omissions
or errors
Clearly
demonstrates
understanding of
what is necessary
2. Projected sales and expenses for the first year
Financial Viability
based on
projected sales
and expenses for
the first year.
Able to
demonstrate that
projections are
attainable within
the required
timeframe
Sales and
expenses
presented
demonstrate
limited ability to be
financially viable
3. Financial resources
Financial Viability
based on start-up
resources
Ability to define the
necessary
financial resources
to start-up and
maintain the
business
Demonstrates little
understanding of
what is necessary
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4. Evidence of your ability to access financial resources
Financial Viability
based on start-up
resources
Ability to access
the necessary
financial resources
Demonstrates
limited ability to
access necessary
resources
Demonstrates
some ability to
access necessary
resources but with
several conditions
limiting access
Demonstrates
ability to access
necessary
resources with few
conditions limiting
access
Demonstrates
ability to access
the necessary
resources with no
conditions limiting
access
Demonstrates little
understanding of
what is necessary
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
what is necessary
with several
omissions or errors
Demonstrates
understanding of
what is necessary
with few omissions
or errors
Clearly
demonstrates
understanding of
what is necessary
5. Other resources
Business viability
based on other
general start-up
resources
Ability to define
the other
necessary
resources to startup and maintain
the business
6. Evidence of your ability to access other resources
Business viability
based on other
general start-up
resources
Ability to access
other general
necessary
resources
Demonstrates
limited ability to
access necessary
resources
Demonstrates
some ability to
access necessary
resources but with
several conditions
limiting access
Demonstrates
ability to access
necessary
resources with few
conditions limiting
access
Demonstrates
access to
necessary
resources with no
conditions limiting
access
Demonstrates
limited experience
or
relevant/transferab
le skills to support
the proposed
products or
services
Demonstrates
some experience
or
relevant/transferab
le skills to support
the proposed
products or
services with
several limitations
Demonstrates
experience or
relevant/transferab
le skills to support
the proposed
products or
services with few
limitations
Clearly
demonstrates
experience or
relevant/transferab
le skills to support
the proposed
products or
services
7. Relevant skills
Relevant/
Transferable Skills
Does client have
training, education,
or
relevant/transferab
le skills to support
the proposed
products or
services
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8. Target markets
Target Market
Ability to identify
specific customer
profile and
specific markets
for the proposed
product or service
Demonstrates little
ability to identify
specific customer
profiles and
specific markets
for the product or
service
Demonstrates
some ability to
identify specific
customer profile
and specific
markets for the
product or service
with several errors
or omissions
Demonstrates
ability to identify
specific customer
profile and specific
markets for the
product or service
with few errors or
omissions
Clearly
demonstrates
ability to identify
specific customer
profile and specific
markets for the
product or service
Demonstrates
limited ability to
identify effective
promotional
methods and tools
Demonstrates
some ability to
identify effective
promotional
methods and tools
with several
limitations
Demonstrates
ability to identify
effective
promotional
methods and tools
with few limitations
Clearly
demonstrates
ability to identify
effective
promotional
methods and tools
Demonstrates little
understanding of
the effective
techniques to sell
the product or
service to their
specific customers
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
the effective
techniques to sell
the product or
service to their
specific customers
with several errors
or omissions
Demonstrates an
understanding of
the effective
techniques to sell
the product or
service to their
specific customers
with few errors or
omissions
Clearly
demonstrates an
understanding of
the effective
techniques to sell
the product or
service to their
specific customers
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
how product or
service will reach
the customer with
several errors or
omissions
Demonstrates
understanding of
how product or
service will reach
the customer with
few errors or
omissions
Clearly
demonstrates
understanding of
how product or
service will reach
the customer
9. Marketing strategy
Marketing
Ability to identify
effective
promotional
methods and tools
10. Sales
Selling
Demonstrates an
understanding of
the effective
techniques to sell
the product or
service to their
specific customers
11. Supply and distribution
Supply and
Distribution
Ability to identify
how product or
service will reach
the customer
including potential
suppliers and
distribution
methods
Demonstrates little
understanding of
how product or
service will reach
the customer
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12. Competition
Competition
Ability to identify
business’s
competitive
advantage and
has a sense of
product or service
value in the market
place
Demonstrates little
understanding of
competitive
advantage and
value of product or
service being
offered
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
competitive
advantage and
value of product or
service being
offered with
several errors or
omissions
Demonstrates
understanding of
competitive
advantage and
value of products
or service being
offered with few
errors or
omissions
Clearly
demonstrates
understanding of
competitive
advantage and
value of products
or service being
offered
Self identified
needs
demonstrate
limited ability for
business to be
sustainable within
the first year
Self identified
needs
demonstrate some
ability for business
to be sustainable
within the first year
with several
limitations
Self identified
needs
demonstrates
ability for
business to be
sustainable within
first year with few
limitations
Self identified
needs clearly
demonstrate ability
for business to be
sustainable within
first year
Product/Service
development
presented with
limited clarity and
several factors
limiting completion
within a relevant
time frame
Product/Service
development stage
and relevant time
frame presented
with few limitations
Clearly
demonstrates
product/service
development stage
and that
development will
be completed
within a relevant
time frame
13. Sustainability
Sustainability
Ability to
demonstrate that
the business will
be sustainable
within the first year
based on the
clients self
identified income
needs in the
entrepreneurial
skills and self
assessment.
14. Business development
Product/Service
Development
Ability to
demonstrate the
current
development stage
of the product or
service and that
the product/service
development will
be complete within
a relevant time
frame
Product/Service
development
presented is
unclear with
limited ability to be
complete within a
relevant time
frame
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National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA de la région de la capitale nationale
Appendix 2
12 Month Financial Projection Template
1. If you sell a PRODUCT estimate how many you think you can sell in a month. Please keep
in mind start-up times where you may or may have time to sell, any manufacturing time that
may be necessary and busy periods of the year if applicable. Total it up by month, and
annually.
2. If you're a SERVICE-BASED business, estimate how much revenue you think you can
generate in each month. Please keep in mind start-up times where you may or may have
time to sell your services, any research and development periods to your services, and
busy periods of the year if applicable. Total it up by month, and annually.
*** Please note, some businesses are both Product and Service-based. In those cases,
please estimate the revenue of both.
3. Estimate what costs you think your business will incur monthly: rent, utilities, office
supplies, telephone and internet, transportation, travel, manufacturing and production,
meeting costs, room rentals, equipment purchases and rentals, membership dues,
accreditation fees, etc... Only choose those that apply to your business. Total it up by
month, and annually.
4. Subtract your EXPENSES (B) from your REVENUE (A) and put the total in the "Total (A B)" row. This will give you your monthly and annual revenue. Now you can determine if
your business is "viable", meaning can you sustain your life with the profits of this business
over the long term? Keep in mind that most businesses do not make big profits in the first
year. Also, if you are accepted in this program, you would have a benefits wage to help
sustain you through your first year. You should however be sure that by the end of this year
your business puts you in a position to sustain you through year 2 when your benefits end.
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