Government Grants and Assistance

For some years now, governments have been talking the good talk with regards to the need to develop sustainable economies by promoting self employment that can flourish within a local region. Now the severe downturn in the global economy, combined with increasing public concern for the environment, seems likely to release unprecedented government funding to small scale, environmentally sustainable enterprises.

Of course the grant programs and other types of assistance they put in place varies in scale and detail so there can be no certainty that the opportunities listed on Workingswell would be eligible for a government grant. However, holding a Regional Reserve on a license to produce proven products will allow an applicant to demonstrate both a clear intention and his or her access to training and experience. Workingswell's three month (renewable) reserve system is designed to provide ample time to investigate grants and other financing options before making a full commitment and without risk of missing the opportunity.

Scroll down the page to find links to appropriate government agencies on a country by country basis. Please contact Workingswell if any of the links are not functioning or no longer lead to an appropriate page. Information on suitable sites that we have not included would also be greatly appreciated. 

AUSTRALIA

Business.Govt.Au - Grants and Assistance including links to State and Territory Agencies.

CreateBiz - Australian government business assistance programs. Whether you are an artist seeking government funding for an export program, or to commercialise a product, CreateBiz may be a useful first point in your research.

Jobwise - Self Employment Assistance for Seniors.

Employment Options - Employment Options Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation offering  a New Enterprise Incentive Scheme designed to assist self-employment seekers.

Ausindustry - Australian Government assistance to small business.

CANADA

Service Canada  Information on Self Employment Assistance from the Federal Government.

Manitoba Business Start up Program  Eligibility Criteria for Assistance.

Manitoba Young Entrepreneurs Program  Encourages Manitoba's young people to pursue self-employment.

Saskatchewan Program to Develop Self Employment Opportunities

INDIA

Self-Employment Promotion Programme At present 23 Self Employment Promotion Cells are functioning in 19 States/Union Territories.

The Swavalamban (Self-Employment Generation Programme) Self Employment generation with Government assistance in Tripura State

Self Employment Scheme for Ex-Servicemen (SEMFEX-I) The aim of SEMFEX-1 scheme is to encourage and assist eligible ex-Servicemen to take up self-employment service including ventures in tiny, small scale industry.

NEW ZEALAND

Enterprise Allowance.- The New Zealand government's Enterprise Allowance helps people getting government assistance who want to start up their own business.

SRI LANKA

Ministry of Rural Industry and Self-Employment Promotion. Development and promotion of small and rural industries, national arts and crafts and self employment.

UNITED KINGDOM

Business Link  British Government Grants and Support Directory

UNITED STATES

U.S. Department of Labor.  A program that is designed to encourage and enable unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting their own small businesses.

Govbenefits.gov   Offers over a thousand Federal and State benefit programs. A free and confidential questionnaire and pre-screening tool generates a tailored list of programs.

U.S. Small Business Administration.  Free online courses to help you start, grow and succeed.