1050 2nd Ave E, Unit 7 & 8, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 2H7

519-376-9400

ISET FAQ

ISET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is ISET?

  • ISET (Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program) supports Indigenous individuals in gaining the skills, training, and experience needed to find and keep long-term employment.

Who can access ISET Funding?

ISET funding is available to registered band members from:

  • Saugeen First Nation #29
  • Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation #27

What is the eligibility to receive funding?

Clients must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be unemployed 
  • Be under-employed
  • Be an Employment Insurance (EI) recipient
  • Be an Ontario Works (OW) recipient

Do I need to live on-reserve to get funds?

  • No, you do not need to live on-reserve to qualify. Support is available to registered band members of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation #27 or Saugeen First Nation #29.

What do I need to do to request funding?

  • First, you’ll need to complete an intake form. The form includes a section where you can specify the type of funding you’re requesting. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your status card, and any other documents related to your request.

How do I fill out an intake form?

  • You can fill out the intake form either electronically or by hand. Please complete every section, even if you don’t think it applies to you, and be sure to sign and date the last page.

What kind of services does HAAMB offer?

  • We offer a wide range of services—from Job Start Up support, Driver’s Licenses to CPR Training. Feel free to reach out if you want more information.

What is Job Start Up?

  • Job Start Up helps individuals who are newly employed by offering support within two weeks of their job start date. To qualify, you’ll need to provide proof of employment and apply within that two-week window.

  • Each person can only receive Job Start Up support every 12 months (once a year), starting from the last time you received it.

What is Relocation?

  • Relocation assistance is designed to help individuals move closer to their new long-term, permanent job placement.

Do we cover relocation expenses?

  • Yes, we can help with rent support and moving costs through the Relocation Program. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria, and this assistance is only available to individuals once every two years.

Do we offer Driver’s Education or Driver’s Licenses?

  • Yes, we support individuals working toward getting their driver’s license. We offer free MTO Driver’s Handbooks and cover the cost of the license fee. Driver’s education may also be supported, but it’s reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What if my driver’s license is expired or needs to be renewed?

  • We can provide support to help renew or reinstate an expired driver’s license. However, this does not cover the cost of any outstanding fines and only available one time to individuals.

Do you offer any support for self-employed individuals?

  • Yes, we provide two programs: the Self-Employment Benefit and the Small Business Support Program.

What is the Self-Employment Benefit?

  • This program helps unemployed or underemployed individuals start their own viable business. You must provide a business plan, and the benefit can only be accessed once—even if you’ve received it before.

What is the Small Business Support Program?

  • This program supports entrepreneurs or those planning to start a business by helping them develop their business skills. Support is provided through attending conferences, workshops, or seminars (up to 5 days). This program can only be accessed once.

Do you cover reimbursements?

  • We don’t cover reimbursements. However, in some cases, support may be possible—but it must be discussed and approved ahead of time. Please reach out before making any purchases to see if they can be covered.

What is PPE, and can you help with the cost?

  • PPE means Personal Protective Equipment. If you need it for work, training, or school, we may be able to help with the cost. Employers often provide some PPE, but we can help cover extra needs. There is a limit to how much HAAMB can give. Contact us to learn more.

What is EO?

  • EO stands for Employment Ontario—an organization that also operates out of the HAAMB office. They provide employment support for individuals who don’t qualify for funding under the ISET program.

What is HEO?

  • HEO stands for Heavy Equipment Operator. This program helps individuals develop the skills needed to operate machinery used in construction and related industries. HAAMB offers support for this training if you’re unemployed or if your employer requires it for your job.

How will I receive my funds if my request is approved?

  • Once approved, you will be issued a cheque. It can be mailed to you or picked up at the HAAMB office in Owen Sound. If you’re unable to come to the office, we’ll arrange another way to get the cheque to you. Depending on your request, funds may also be paid directly to a vendor, sent by direct deposit, or invoiced.

What is Travel Assistance?

  • Travel assistance offers short-term support for transportation costs on a case-by-case basis. This assistance is generally only available once per year.

What happens if my request gets denied?

  • If your funding request is denied, you may appeal by submitting a letter to the LDM Coordinator explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered. Your appeal will then be reviewed at the next scheduled Board meeting.

When should I submit my request?

  • Requests should be submitted as early as possible. The review process takes 2 to 3 weeks, which is why it’s a good idea to apply early to avoid delays.

HAAMB Office Location & Hours

  • Address: 1050 2nd Ave E, Unit 7 & 8, Owen Sound, ON
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Who do I contact to request funding or get more information?