How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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)

What are Alberta Self-Employment Program's eligibility criterias?

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.

Alberta Self-Employment Program

Last Update: July 22, 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

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