Just want to add that "self employment" is different from owning a business and then paying yourself as one of the employees.In fact, i lost hope of receiving an invitiation to sponsor. thats why i did not plan to give myself a big salary from my buisiness. Also, on the financial proof form where you calculte the size of family. on the last page they had options for income you could select employment or self employment i selected both and provided both. on the guide under the financial proof they never mentioned if you could or could not show you business income! i called IRCC and they advised me to apply anywaye and see what the officer says! in the end i beleive i do have a strong ground based on humanitarian path to appeal. I was sent a letter to invite and I decided not to waste the opportunity since my parents are from Gaza i wanted to give it a try anyway and apply, who knows. and yes i asked around and called IRCC. I wasn't selfish and took someone elses spot! it was my spot and i was invited. I am not going to cry a river over it. whatever happens.
Anyway, good luck with your appeal. Never know if you get lucky.