SEAP program from ESD - do they really fund startup businesses?

The SEAP program doesn't directly fund your business with grants, but it does allow you to collect your regular unemployment benefits while you work full-time on starting your business instead of doing the regular job search activities. It's actually a great program, but there are some important things to understand: 1. You'll still receive your regular weekly UI benefits if approved for SEAP 2. You're exempt from job search requirements while in the program 3. The program lasts for your entire benefit year or until your benefits run out 4. You need to attend entrepreneurial training classes they approve 5. You must submit quarterly self-employment progress reports They don't provide direct funding for your business expenses, but the benefit is that you can work on your business full-time without having to look for work. It gives you some income stability while getting your business off the ground.

I did the SEAP program back in 2021 and it was AMAZING!! Best decision ever!! But yeah they don't actually give you money for your business they just let you keep collecting unemployment while you start it up. You still have to attend their training workshops which were super helpful btw! I started a digital marketing business and it was so nice to have those unemployment checks coming in during the startup phase when I had no clients yet!!! The application process was a bit confusing tho, I almost messed it up. Make sure you have a solid business plan ready when you apply!!!

The ESD system is just TERRIBLE at explaining these programs clearly. I also thought they were going to fund my business when I first got that letter! But like others said, they just let you collect benefits while starting up instead of job searching. What they DON'T tell you in that letter is that the spots fill up FAST and there's limited funding for the program. When I tried to apply in 2022, they had already hit their quota for the year and weren't accepting new applicants. So apply IMMEDIATELY if you're interested. Also, they're super picky about what counts as a "viable business" - they rejected my friend's application because they didn't think his idea would make enough money.

SEAP is for self employment assistence its NOT about them giving you money to start a business lol. its about letting you collect ur benefits without having to look for a job while u start a business. i looked into it but decideed it wasnt worth the hassle, too many hoops to jump thru and they make you take all these classes and do paperwork. easier to just do the stupid job searches and work on ur business on the side tbh

Has anyone tried calling ESD about applying for this program? I've been on hold for 2 hours trying to get more info about SEAP and nobody is picking up. I'm also trying to apply but the website is giving me an error when I try to access the application form... typical ESD technology problems 🙄

For those asking about the SEAP application process: 1. You need to submit your application through eServices (there's a special section for SEAP applications) 2. You need to include a business plan or outline of your business idea 3. You must participate in an entrepreneurial training program approved by the Commissioner 4. You need to actively work on establishing a business 5. You must be identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits If approved, you'll continue filing weekly claims like normal, but instead of reporting job search activities, you'll report your self-employment activities. You're still required to be available for the training and other program requirements. Keep in mind that 2025 has new program limits - I believe they're only accepting around 200 participants statewide this year due to funding constraints.

my cousin did this program last year and now he has a successful landscaping business. he said the best part was being able to buy equipment and supplies while still getting unemployment checks coming in. dont listen to all these negative people its a great opportunity if ur serious about being your own boss

I went through SEAP in 2023 and it was a game-changer for my freelance writing business! Just want to add a few things that might help you: The application deadline is usually pretty tight - they announce it and then give you like 2-3 weeks to submit everything. Make sure your business plan is realistic and shows actual market research. They rejected my first application because my income projections were too optimistic without backing data. Also, once you're in the program, you CANNOT do any traditional job searching or accept employment offers, even part-time gigs. You're committed to working on your business full-time. This tripped up a friend of mine who thought he could do both. The training workshops are actually really valuable - I learned about QuickBooks, business taxes, and marketing strategies I'm still using today. Plus you get to network with other entrepreneurs in the program which has led to some great referrals for my business. One tip: start documenting your business activities from day one. They want detailed reports every quarter showing what you've done to develop your business, and having good records makes it much easier.

I'm currently considering applying for SEAP after reading through everyone's experiences here. One thing I'm curious about - for those who completed the program, how did you handle the transition from collecting unemployment benefits to actually generating income from your business? I'm worried about that gap period where my benefits run out but my business isn't quite profitable yet. Did anyone find themselves in that situation, and if so, how did you manage it? I'm thinking about starting an online tutoring business, so I know it might take some time to build up a steady client base. Also, has anyone dealt with the tax implications? Like, do you need to pay taxes on the unemployment benefits you received while in SEAP differently than regular UI benefits?