Alberta Self-Employment Program
AB, Canada
Self-employment training for Albertans
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)
- Government of Alberta
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grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Self-employment training that offers unemployed individuals formal instruction, business plan development, one-to-one business counselling, coaching, guidance and follow-up during business plan implementation.
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This program is specifically designed for Albertans, aligning with provincial employment and self-employment goals. The support is targeted at eligible individuals within the province of Alberta.
- Participants residing in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$11,500
Establishing a social enterprise for youth coding workshops
$13,000
Launching a vegan bakery with extensive business training
$14,000
Starting a local art gallery and creative space
$17,000
Establishing a financial cooperative to support local artisans
$11,000
Starting a specialty coffee shop with comprehensive business training
$11,500
Launching a local organic produce delivery service
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Self-employment Program is determined by specific requirements related to the participant's legal status, employment situation, and commitment to training.
- Participants must be unemployed or under-employed adults residing in Alberta.
- Participants must be permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
- Participants must be seeking to start a business for the purpose of self-employment.
- Participants must commit to participating in full-time training to start their business.
- Participants must remain connected to the labour market.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible participants are unemployed and under-employed adults in Alberta, who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens, seeking to start a business for the purpose of self-employment. Participants must commit to participate in full-time training to start their business and remain connected to the labour market.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may exclude businesses such as:
- Established corporations
- Franchises
- Multi-level marketing companies
- Non-profit organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Self-employment Program in Alberta is designed to aid eligible individuals in starting a new business by providing crucial training and counseling support. Participants can take advantage of various activities to ensure their entrepreneurial success, from business plan development to personalized guidance.
- Formal training to develop business ideas and enhance entrepreneurial skills.
- One-to-one business counselling sessions to provide targeted support and advice.
- Ongoing coaching and guidance to assist with business plan implementation.
- Support for remaining connected to the labour market during business development.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical zone for this grant is Alberta, Canada.
- Permanent residents of Alberta
- Canadian citizens residing in Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Self-employment Program in Alberta has evaluation and selection criteria. Eligible participants must be unemployed or under-employed adults in Alberta, committed to full-time training to start a business for self-employment.
- Participants must be unemployed or under-employed adults in Alberta.
- Participants must commit to full-time training to start a business for self-employment.
- Participants must be permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
- Participants must remain connected to the labour market.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Self-employment Program:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
- Read the Self-employment Program Guidelines to understand complete eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Explore Training Providers
- Review the Training and Employment Services Directory.
- Identify and connect with an organization that delivers the Self-employment Program near you.
- Step 3: Determine Eligibility with Provider
- Contact the training provider to determine your eligibility for their specific program.
- Step 4: Apply for the Self-employment Program
- Work with the provider to fill out any required application forms.
- Provide necessary documentation as required by the training provider.
- Step 5: Attend the Program
- If accepted, commit to participating in the full-time training and business development workshops offered.
- Utilize one-to-one business counselling to develop and implement your business plan.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Self-employment Program in Alberta provides various benefits and considerations for participants and providers.
- Self-employment training is provided at no cost to eligible Albertans.
- Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants who require funding to support their living costs while in training.
- The government of Alberta partners with the federal government to deliver this program.
- Program providers can offer different timeframes, course content, and class sizes, leading to diverse program experiences.
- Organizations interested in offering the program must participate in a request for proposals process through Alberta Purchasing Connection.
- Providers must comply with the Self-employment Program Guidelines and Service Management and Program Administration Guidelines before submitting a proposal.
- The program emphasizes one-to-one business counselling and guidance as part of its offering.
Apply to this program
Empowering Albertans through Self-Employment
The Self-employment Program in Alberta provides critical support for individuals aiming to launch new business ventures. This comprehensive program offers formal training, business planning guidance, and personalized coaching to eligible Albertans, aiming to facilitate successful self-employment opportunities.
Diving Deep into Alberta's Self-employment Program
The Self-employment Program represents a strategic initiative supported jointly by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, specifically designed to stimulate economic growth by encouraging entrepreneurship among unemployed and under-employed adult residents of Alberta. Since its establishment, the program has become a cornerstone in the province's efforts to foster a vibrant and self-sustained entrepreneurial community.
This program is tailored to provide a robust framework for new entrepreneurs by offering structured, instructor-led training that encompasses the essential components of business development and management. The curriculum is designed to not only educate participants in core business concepts but also to guide them through the practicalities of crafting comprehensive business plans aimed at securing sustainable self-employment. This is critical in ensuring that new enterprises are built on solid foundations, capable of navigating the complexities of market dynamics.
Participants engage deeply with business plan development, receiving one-to-one counselling from seasoned industry professionals. This personalized approach ensures that each participant's unique business idea is nurtured and honed to maximize its potential for success. The program's structure encourages a hands-on approach, whereby participants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, receiving feedback and adjustments from their mentors.
The financial structure of the program is another significant benefit, as eligible Albertans receive training at no direct cost. Additionally, the program offers potential financial support to assist with living expenses during the training period, providing a safety net that allows participants to focus entirely on their business endeavors without the overarching worry of financial instability. This makes entrepreneurship a viable option for many who might otherwise be deterred by prohibitive costs associated with starting a business.
Beyond individual support, the network of organizations that deliver these programs plays a pivotal role. Each organization provides a unique blend of instruction and resources, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community it serves. This collaborative network provides a mosaic of opportunities and resources, all aligned with a common goal of elevating the employment status of Albertans through entrepreneurship.
Program providers looking to participate in this initiative must undergo a rigorous procurement process via requests for proposals issued by the Alberta government. This ensures that the programs offered remain of high quality and are continuously improved and adapted to meet the changing needs of the entrepreneurial landscape, focusing on sustainable economic impact and innovation.
Ultimately, the Self-employment Program is not just about creating businesses; it's about building resilient businesses that contribute positively to Alberta's economy. It operates as a catalyst for economic diversification, encouraging a shift towards a more self-reliant and entrepreneurial workforce. By facilitating the transition from unemployed or under-employed status to dynamic business ownership, this program significantly impacts the economic vibrancy and resilience of communities across Alberta.
Overall, Alberta’s Self-employment Program exemplifies how strategic government-backed initiatives can effectively empower individuals while also driving broader economic objectives. Through this program, Alberta is not just offering a lifeline to those seeking employment but is actively nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators poised to make their mark within the local and national economic landscapes.
