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Source verified March 4, 2026
Alberta Self-Employment Program
Self-employment training and business support
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Unemployed and under-employed adults in Alberta who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Self-employment Program supports eligible Albertans who are looking to develop and start a new business with formal training, business plan development, one-to-one business counselling, coaching and guidance. It also provides support for instructor-led training, business plan development and business operation support.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing and starting a new business.
- Formal training to start a business.
- Business plan development.
- One-to-one business counselling, coaching and guidance.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unemployed and under-employed adults in Alberta who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
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
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
- Read the Self-Employment Program guidelines for complete eligibility requirements.
- Contact a program provider in your area.
- Participate in the assessment process carried out by the provider.
- If assessed as eligible, apply through the selected 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Self-Employment Program Program
What is the Alberta Self-Employment Program?
The Self-employment Program supports eligible Albertans who are looking to develop and start a new business with formal training, business plan development, one-to-one business counselling, coaching and guidance. It also provides support for instructor-led training, business plan development and business operation support.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Self-Employment Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Self-Employment Program program, you must:
Eligible participants are unemployed and under-employed adults in Alberta.
Participants must be permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
Participants must be seeking to start a business for the purpose of self-employment.
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Self-Employment Program?
Developing and starting a new business.
Formal training to start a business.
Business plan development.
One-to-one business counselling, coaching and guidance.
Where is the Alberta Self-Employment Program available?
The Alberta Self-Employment Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Self-Employment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Self-Employment Program is a Grant and Funding
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)