Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)
Keep your benefits while you build your business
If you're receiving unemployment in Washington, SEAP lets you keep collecting benefits while you take the Business Bootcamp, and you no longer have to do weekly job searches.
What is SEAP?
A state program for new business owners
The Self-Employment Assistance Program is run by Washington's Employment Security Department (ESD). It lets people receiving unemployment benefits spend their time building a business instead of job searching.
Northwest Business Training Center's Business Bootcamp is approved by ESD as a SEAP provider. Once ESD approves you, you keep collecting your unemployment benefits while you receive entrepreneurial training and business coaching for six months.
Good to know: being approved for SEAP does not extend your unemployment benefits.
How to apply
Four steps to get started
Complete the ESD SEAP application
Use our PDF application. The Business Bootcamp course information is already filled in for you.
- Fill in the top section, "Claimant's name and address."
- Choose a start date about one week after you send the application to us, and an end date six months after that.
- Today
- January 8
- Start date
- January 15
- End date
- July 15
Email us your signed application
Send it to nwbusinessbootcamp@gmail.com. Make sure every page is clear and legible. We'll sign it and fax it to ESD for you.
Wait for ESD's decision
You should hear back from ESD in 1–3 weeks, though it sometimes takes longer. They'll send you a letter and/or post the decision in your online account.
Once you're approved, enroll at the SEAP rate
Enroll at the discounted SEAP rate of $495, and we'll send you the first chapter to get started.
Questions
SEAP frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Email us at nwbusinessbootcamp@gmail.com.
Do I need to be enrolled with ESD in order to apply for SEAP?
Yes. You must be actively filing benefits claims for ESD to review your SEAP application.
Does ESD pay for the course?
No, unfortunately there is no state money for these programs. We offer a deep discount to our unemployed students, so you pay only $495 for the entire course and six months of one-on-one business consulting.
Is there funding assistance for this program?
For help paying for the course, contact your local WorkSource office and ask about the WIOA / Career Bridge program to see if you qualify.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded employment service. Its goals are to improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, increase economic self-sufficiency, meet the skill requirements of employers, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.
Do you have any eligibility requirements or limits on who can take the Business Bootcamp?
No. Anyone is welcome to take the Business Bootcamp, regardless of your financial, social, or unemployment status.
Does SEAP extend my unemployment benefits?
No. Being approved for SEAP does not extend your unemployment benefits.
How long does ESD take to decide?
Usually 1–3 weeks, sometimes longer. ESD will send you a letter and/or post the decision in your online account.
How does ESD make their eligibility decision?
ESD looks at how likely you are to use up your unemployment benefits before finding a suitable job, based on labor market information and your application. Some of the criteria they consider:
- Your education level
- The county where you live
- Your primary occupation (the one with the largest earnings in your base year)
- The industry where you earned the most in your recent work
- The statewide unemployment rate
- The time of year you apply for unemployment (which quarter)
- The potential duration of your benefits (weeks of benefits)
- Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
What happens if I am denied?
If your determination letter says you were denied, you have a few options.
First, you can appeal the decision by writing a letter to ESD explaining why you believe you would use up your benefits before finding a suitable job.
Second, you're still welcome to take the Business Bootcamp! We'll generally still honor the SEAP discounted rate for students who were denied but still want to build the knowledge and foundation to start their own business.
I have questions about my SEAP application. Who do I contact?
I'm happy to answer any questions I can! Contact us.
For questions specifically about your application or eligibility, contact ESD's SEAP department directly at 877-600-7701.