This is Small Business Week in Canada and the planets seem to be aligned for something incredible to happen.

On Tuesday, I attended an Employment Insurance Information Session that explained the programs and services that could help me find work. The program that jumped out to me was the Self Employ PEI program so I remained behind after the information session was over to ask for more information on the process to apply.

The Self Employ PEI program may provide assistance to EI eligible clients by providing business resources and a weekly financial allowance for up to 52 weeks.

It turns out that the process is a multi-step process. Mine will look like this:

1. Meet with staff at Montague Career Development Services.
2. Referral to Active Communities for additional business consultation.
3. Finalized application submitted to Skills PEI for decision.

Now all that said, it is my understanding that a person might not be referred to the next step depending on their individual needs/circumstances.

Me, being me, I drove my car across the road to the Career Development Services office and requested an appointment to begin the process to submit an application for the Self Employ PEI program. The earliest appointment available was November 7, 2011 so I agreed to take it, even though I was super eager to meet as soon as possible.

In reality, November 7th is not really that far away. It will give me an opportunity to make a great case for my business idea.

For those who have participated in the Self Employ PEI program – Do you have any advice to share for this initial process?