The SEA Program provides business training to people receiving unemployment insurance benefits who hope to become self-employed. To qualify, applicants learn how to write a mini-business plan. The plan is reviewed by a committee of community business people, which then chooses participants. Over the next eight weeks, those selected are taught to develop a detailed business plan and receive management and computer training. Final plans are reviewed by another committee of business people.
Participants then design an action plan and are monitored on a monthly basis.
They share problems and we all pitch in with advice. Kofi's graduates have gone into a variety of businesses including desk top publishing, frozen meat sales and home inspections. He's pleased he'll be able to start directing his clients to VanCity's new program. It's innovative and creative. VanCity provides the loan capacity.