CEC Application

I have been trying to gather information on applying for Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class it was brought to my attention that "self employment" work does not count towards the 1 year of employment required for the CEC.
I think it will be easier if I explain my current situation. I am currently on a Post Grad Work Permit and I have been working at a company for 1 full year but as a "full-time contractor" (rather than employee). My workload has been consistent and I have been working straight 37.5hrs a week with the exception of holidays. At the end of the year I do not receive a T4 slip. Instead I pay for my taxes under my HST account which I opened soon after I started working. I also on the side, started a business with a canadian citizen and I have been putting a lot of hours towards it as well.

Now I have looked up a lot of information on forums and sites and I keep seeing that self employment does not count. I am confused as to where my experience fits in. Do they see it differently if I am contracted by only one person for a full year? Did anyone here come out of a similar situation with a successful story? Thanks for the help it is most appreciated.