Alberta Self-Employment Program
AB, Canada
Self-employment training for Albertans
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
- Ministry of Labour and Immigration (AB)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This program is designed to assist individuals with living costs during their entrepreneurship training, but does not cover business start-up expenses. Financial assistance is limited and is mainly for supporting living expenses while participants are engaged in full-time training.
- Financial assistance may cover basic living costs for eligible participants during the training period.
- Participants eligible for funding must apply through Advanced Education’s Foundational Learning Assistance.
- Funding is not intended to cover any business start-up costs or investment into the participant's business.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Alberta Self-Employment Program assists eligible individuals in Alberta with the development and implementation of their new business ventures, providing a comprehensive support system to ensure success. Through this program, participants receive formal training and continuous support tailored to launching and sustaining a viable business in Alberta.
- Instructor-led training on starting and operating a business.
- Business plan development, including market research and financial planning.
- Ongoing business operation support with one-to-one counselling and coaching.
- Support and mentoring during business implementation phases.
- Assessment of business viability to ensure long-term sustainability.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the participant's status and readiness for the program.
- The participant must be unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week over the last 12 weeks.
- The participant must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- The participant must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older and have not attended an education program under the Education Act in the past 12 months.
- The participant must be suitable for the program as determined through an employability assessment.
- The participant must have an Alberta address or any address in the city of Lloydminster for the duration of the training.
- The participant must be "Ready, Willing and Able" to commit full-time to the program.
- The participant must own a minimum of 51% of the proposed business.
- The proposed business must be located and operational in Alberta and comply with all applicable legislation and regulations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible participants for the Alberta Self-Employment Program are unemployed or under-employed adults in Alberta, who are either permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Participants must be seeking to start a business for the purpose of self-employment and commit to participating in full-time training to start their business and remain connected to the labour market. Specifically, eligible individuals must be:- Unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week on average over the past 12 weeks and planning to remain employed while in training.- Residing in Alberta with a valid Alberta address, or any address in the city of Lloydminster, for the duration of the training.- Holding a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).- Aged 18 years or older, and have not attended an educational program under the Education Act in the past 12 months.- Suitable for the program as determined through an employability assessment.Additionally, participants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency if it is not their first language. Individuals who meet all these criteria can apply to the program by undergoing the necessary assessments conducted by the program provider.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may exclude businesses such as:
- Established corporations
- Franchises
- Multi-level marketing companies
- Non-profit organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The program does not specifically list eligible expenses related to business costs, as it focuses on providing formal training and development support for participants.
- No specific eligible expenses are mentioned for business start-up or operational costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to individuals and businesses located in Alberta, Canada. Eligible applicants must operate within this specific province to qualify for support.
- Individuals and businesses must be located within the province of Alberta, Canada.
- Applicants may also be located in the city of Lloydminster, Canada, during the duration of the program.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Self-employment Program in Alberta has evaluation and selection criteria. Eligible participants must be unemployed or under-employed adults in Alberta, committed to full-time training to start a business for self-employment.
- Participants must be unemployed or under-employed adults in Alberta.
- Participants must commit to full-time training to start a business for self-employment.
- Participants must be permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
- Participants must remain connected to the labour market.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Alberta Self-Employment Program:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Check the Self-employment Program Guidelines to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Enrolment Preparation
- Review the Training and Employment Services Directory.
- Determine the organization offering Self-Employment Program training near you.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Complete Assessments
- Undergo Employability Assessment to evaluate if the Self-Employment Program is suited for your business and employment goals.
- Step 5: Apply for the Program
- Once your eligibility is confirmed, apply for the Self-Employment Program through the provider.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional details regarding the Alberta Self-Employment Program:
- Participants are required to engage in a follow-up process approximately 90 days after completing the program to assess outcomes and gather feedback.
- While financial assistance is available for living costs during training, it does not cover business start-up costs or provide investment support for the participants’ businesses.
- The program features a business viability assessment, ensuring the participants' business concept is realistic and sustainable before advancing.
- Participants must own at least 51% of the proposed business to qualify for the program.
- The formal training and business plan development are expected to last around 8-10 weeks, followed by a business plan implementation period of approximately 14-16 weeks.
Apply to this program
A Pathway to Entrepreneurship for Albertans
The Alberta Self-Employment Program offers a structured path for unemployed and under-employed Albertans to transition into entrepreneurship. This program provides formal training, business plan development, and personalized support to help participants successfully launch their own businesses.
In-Depth Overview of the Alberta Self-Employment Program
The Alberta Self-Employment Program is a strategic initiative that empowers Albertans by transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into thriving businesses. Partnered between the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, this program aims to stimulate local economic growth through fostering self-employment. It targets adults who are currently unemployed or under-employed, offering them a practical route to becoming not only job creators but also contributors to their communities' economic diversification.
The program is meticulously designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent through a comprehensive package of services. It begins with formal, instructor-led training sessions that educate participants in essential business skills, covering areas such as market analysis, financial planning, and operations management. This curriculum supports participants in crafting a robust business plan, detailing every necessary step, including target market analysis, marketing strategy, operational setup, and financial projections.
In addition to structured learning, every participant receives one-to-one business counseling and coaching. This personalized guidance ensures customized support for each entrepreneur's specific needs, enhancing their ability to implement business strategies effectively. The counseling includes mentoring on navigating the complexities of business operations, from capital management to regulatory compliance, aiding participants in overcoming potential growth barriers.
One unique feature of the Alberta Self-Employment Program is its focus on sustained engagement. Participants are not only supported through the initial stages of business setup but also receive ongoing assistance for up to 26 weeks. This period enables entrepreneurs to realize their business plans fully and adapt them according to real-world business dynamics and feedback.
To access the program, interested candidates must first undergo an employability assessment, ensuring they possess the personal and professional qualities necessary for entrepreneurial success. This includes evaluating their motivation, resilience, and business knowledge. Furthermore, a business viability assessment is conducted to verify the feasibility of their proposed business concept, ensuring that the initiative can sustain and grow over time.
Moreover, financial considerations are integral to the program's framework. While the initiative does not fund business startup costs directly, it provides financial assistance through Advanced Education’s Foundational Learning Assistance program to eligible participants, supporting their living expenses during the training period.
For program delivery, the Alberta government collaborates with qualified providers selected through a competitive proposal process. These providers are entrusted with maintaining the quality and relevance of the training material, ensuring alignment with labour market demands and entrepreneurial trends.
Overall, the Alberta Self-Employment Program stands as a cornerstone for aspiring entrepreneurs in Alberta, offering a well-structured, supportive, and comprehensive path to self-employment. By leveraging this opportunity, participants not only enhance their economic prospects but also contribute to the resilience and vitality of the Alberta economy. This program cultivates a new generation of business leaders who are equipped to navigate challenges and innovate within their local markets, paving the way for sustainable economic development and community empowerment.
