Alberta Self-Employment Program

• Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants to support living costs while in training, depending on individual circumstances.
• Financial assistance is not provided for business start-up costs or investment in the participant’s business.

• 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)

• 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.

• 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.