
Alberta Self-Employment Program
Last Update: June 27, 2025
AB, Canada
Self-employment training for Albertans
Alberta Self-Employment Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Alberta
- Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)
Status
Open
Overview of the Alberta Self-Employment Program program
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.
Financing terms and conditions
- 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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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:
$ 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
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Self-Employment Program program
- 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)
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Self-Employment Program program
- 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 to the Alberta Self-Employment Program program
1
Review Eligibility
Check the to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
2
Enrolment Preparation
- Review the .
- Determine the organization offering Self-Employment Program training near you.
3
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.
4
Complete Assessments
Undergo Employability Assessment to evaluate if the Self-Employment Program is suited for your business and employment goals.
5
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

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