Open

Self Employment Training

Q: How much funding can be received?

Self Employment Training Funds up to 86% of admissible expenses.

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Self Employment Training available?

The Self Employment Training program is available the province of Alberta.

Q: Is the Self Employment Training a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Self Employment Training is a Grant and Funding

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

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

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

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

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

Apply to this program

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.