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Alberta Self-Employment Program

Q: Who is eligible for the Alberta Self-Employment Program program?

To be eligible for the Alberta Self-Employment Program program, you must: The business must be located and operational in Alberta. The applicant must own a minimum of 51% of the proposed business. The business must comply with all applicable legislation and regulations.

Q: Where is the Alberta Self-Employment Program available?

The Alberta Self-Employment Program program is available the province of Alberta.

Q: Is the Alberta Self-Employment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Alberta Self-Employment Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Self-Employment Program?

Alberta Self-Employment Program is funded by Government of Alberta, Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)

Last Update: December 4, 2025

AB, Canada

Self-employment training for Albertans

Grant and Funding

Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)

Government of Alberta

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Marketing a product

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Alberta

Legal structures

For-profit business
Sole proprietorship

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Newcomers to Canada
Canadians
Startups

Overview

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.

Activities funded

Development and launch of a new business by unemployed or under-employed individuals.
Creation of a comprehensive business plan with structured support and guidance.
Participation in formal training focused on developing and operating a business.
Implementation of a business strategy with ongoing counselling and mentorship.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 14,000

Starting a local art gallery and creative space

$ 13,000

Launching a vegan bakery with extensive business training

$ 11,000

Starting a specialty coffee shop with comprehensive business training

$ 11,500

Launching a local organic produce delivery service

$ 11,500

Establishing a social enterprise for youth coding workshops

$ 17,000

Establishing a financial cooperative to support local artisans

Eligibility

The business must be located and operational in Alberta or in the city of Lloydminster.
The business must be registered under an act of the Alberta legislature or the Parliament of Canada.
The applicant must own a minimum of 51% of the proposed business.
The business concept must be viable as determined through a business viability assessment.
The business must comply with all applicable legislation and regulations and not be in conflict or potential conflict with the Government of Alberta.

Who is eligible?

New businesses established by eligible individuals
Existing businesses being taken over by eligible individuals (where they did not have prior ownership)

Eligible expenses

Formal training and learning materials for starting and operating a business.
Business plan development support, including market research, marketing plans, operational details, and financial planning.
One-to-one business counselling, coaching, and guidance related to capital and business implementation needs.

Eligible geographic areas

Alberta
City of Lloydminster (Alberta address required for duration of training)

Selection criteria

Viability of the business concept, as determined through a business viability assessment.
Participant's strategic analysis of the industry and alignment with current and future labour market trends.
Strengths and weaknesses of the business and potential plans of action for mitigating weaknesses.
Estimates of required capital for start-up, operation, and business growth.
Clear, reasonable timelines to accomplish pre-set goals and to measure progress.

How to apply

Review Eligibility

Check the to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Enrolment Preparation

Review the .
Determine the organization offering Self-Employment Program training near you.

Connect with Training Providers

Contact a local training provider offering this program to discuss your eligibility.
Consider setting up an appointment for any required assessments or consultations.

Complete Assessments

Undergo Employability Assessment to evaluate if the Self-Employment Program is suited for your business and employment goals.

Apply for the Program

Once your eligibility is confirmed, apply for the Self-Employment Program through the provider.

Additional information

All program participants are expected to work full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) on their business after completing the program.
Program providers are required to conduct ongoing support and mentoring, including a follow-up approximately 90 days after program completion.
Instructor-led training and one-to-one business counselling are tailored and may be delivered in person, through workshops, or via synchronous online learning.
Program guidelines and requirements are subject to updates by Alberta Labour and Immigration.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Self-Employment Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Self-Employment Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.