Canada has a similar program called the self-employment benefit. The requirement for application is to have been in receipt of employment insurance benefits in

Canada has a similar program called the self-employment benefit. The requirement for application is to have been in receipt of employment insurance benefits in the previous 36 months. To get in, you have to meet with a case manager and formulate an application which includes a 'business concept' document (kind of like a very short business plan). I'm in the program right now and it's been pretty good so far. They provide a living wage and I get to work on my business. Part of the program involves attending workshops, which are pretty helpful if you don't have much of a business background.