Open
Self Employment Training
Online government-funded training for aspiring entrepreneurs in Alberta
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 86% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 14, 2025
Location
Alberta, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce 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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self Employment Training Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Self Employment Training. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Self Employment Training?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Self Employment Training Funds up to 86% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Self Employment Training program?
To be eligible for the Self Employment Training program, you must:
Must be a microbusiness/startup aiming to launch operations
Located in the Greater Edmonton Region or rural Alberta
What expenses are eligible under Self Employment Training?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Self Employment Training?
You can contact microbusiness by email at microbiz@microbusiness.ca or by phone at 780-482-4462.
Where is the Self Employment Training available?
The Self Employment Training program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Self Employment Training a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Self Employment Training is a Grant and Funding