The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (April 29, 2013) – Last week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  announced the expansion of a state program that helps unemployment insurance recipients start their own businesses.

Recipients of unemployment insurance benefits generally must demonstrate that they are actively seeking work to be eligible for assistance. Under New York’s Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), unemployed New Yorkers interested in launching their own businesses, rather than seeking other employment opportunities, are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits and entrepreneurial training while they work full-time to start their own businesses. The Governor today announced the expansion of the program to benefit long-term unemployed New Yorkers.

“Small businesses are the fuel that makes New York’s economic engine run,” Governor Cuomo said. “Under the Self-Employment Assistance Program, the state has worked successfully with unemployed New Yorkers with an entrepreneurial spirit to give them the resources they need to launch their own businesses. The program is a win-win, giving the unemployed a better shot at reaching for the American Dream, while spurring the start of new small businesses in communities across the state."

Previously, an unemployment insurance beneficiary was only eligible to participate in SEAP during the first 26 weeks of receiving unemployment benefits. The Governor’s action extends eligibility for the program to those that have passed the 26 week mark, and are receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

To enroll in the program, participants must have received at least 13 weeks of regular unemployment benefits or have 13 weeks of EUC remaining. Participants also must develop a business strategy, attend 20 hours of entrepreneurial training, meet with a business counselor at least twice and work full-time on starting their businesses.

“SEAP graduates are leading the way as New York expands and creates new businesses across the State,” said State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera. “I’m very pleased that the Labor Department is able to make this program available to more unemployed, ambitious New Yorkers.”

In 2012, 586 unemployment insurance claimants participated in the SEAP, of which an estimated 363 started their own businesses.