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Alberta Self-Employment Program - AB - Canada

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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