This mixed-methods study compares governmental financial support and its impact on the resilience of self-employed individuals in Sweden and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy analysis and semi-structured interviews revealed that self-employed individuals unable to telework experienced lower resilience due to financial hardship, restrictions, and lockdowns. Many were dissatisfied with support measures, perceiving them as unfairly distributed. Reduced well-being was linked to business difficulties, negatively impacting business survival. The study highlights differences in welfare systems and support approaches between the two countries, while also revealing common challenges faced by self-employed individuals.
