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Self Employment Training
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Online government-funded training for aspiring entrepreneurs in Alberta
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Overview
The Self Employment Training program offers free, government-funded online training to help unemployed or underemployed Albertans develop entrepreneurial skills and launch their own businesses. Eligible activities include business skills development, business plan preparation, and ongoing business coaching; the program covers the full cost of training for those who qualify.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 86% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 14, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Activities funded
- Participation in self-employment and entrepreneurship training programs.
- Development of professional business plans for new small businesses.
- Launching and establishing a small business with ongoing coaching and mentoring support.
- Engagement in interactive online business learning and networking sessions.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 6,000
Business plan training and mentorship for a mobile café project
$ 5,000
Entrepreneurship training for a pet grooming startup business
$ 4,900
Self-employment learning and mentorship for a digital wellness studio
$ 5,400
Interactive entrepreneurship training for custom clothing e-commerce
$ 6,000
Coaching and business plan writing for organic dog treat bakery
$ 4,500
Online skill development for launching a graphic design collective
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an individual in the greater Edmonton Region or rural Alberta seeking to start a small business.
- The applicant must be currently unemployed, receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, have received EI in the past 5 years, contributed sufficient employee premiums towards EI during 5 of the past 10 years, or currently receiving Income Support from Alberta Works.
- Individuals not receiving EI or Foundational Learning Assistance (FLA) may also be eligible based on personal financial circumstances if able to support themselves during training.
Who is eligible?
- Individuals interested in starting a small business
- Entrepreneurs within the greater Edmonton Region
- Entrepreneurs in rural Alberta
Eligible expenses
- Online classroom instruction and training modules.
- Business coaching and mentoring sessions.
- Access to business templates and assignment materials.
- Networking opportunities and participation in group learning experiences.
- Expert guest speaker sessions covering legal, accounting, finance, marketing, and social media advice.
Eligible geographic areas
- Greater Edmonton Region, Alberta
- Rural Alberta
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Review the eligibility criteria for the Self Employment Training program
- Ensure you meet requirements such as unemployment status, EI, or financial assistance
- Gather necessary documentation regarding your status
2
Participate in an information session
- Attend an online information session offered every Monday at 11:00 am or Wednesday at 2:00 pm
- Obtain additional details about the program and ask questions
3
Register with Microbusiness
- Contact Microbusiness by phone, email or Facebook to register
- Provide your personal and eligibility information
- Request further instructions for completing your application
4
Provide supporting documents
- Submit any required supporting documents as indicated by Microbusiness
- Wait for confirmation of your registration in the Self Employment Training cohort
Additional information
- Live virtual training is provided using the Zoom platform, which includes direct interaction with facilitators and industry experts.
- The program offers individual coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities beyond the initial online learning period.
- Graduates have the option to be featured in the "Success Stories" section of the Microbusiness website, providing exposure for their businesses.
- Testimonials from past participants highlight the value of networking and ongoing support received through the program.
Contacts
microbiz@microbusiness.ca
780-482-4462
