Eligibility

Individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria established by Alberta Employment and Immigration before being accepting into the Self Employment Program:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a permanent resident (landed or Canadian citizen) and legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Be unemployed (not working or only working sporadically). IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT quit your job before talking to us. Quitting a job without prior consultation will adversely affect your eligibility for this and other government-funded programs.
• Be ready, willing and able to start the business.
• Have a viable business idea for starting a new business or taking over an existing business that will operate in Alberta, where the applicant has not had prior ownership.
• Have sufficient cash or capital, or access to cash or capital, to start the business.
• Demonstrate a need for entrepreneurial training in order to set up and operate a business.
• Have operational control of the business (51% or greater).
• If receiving EI benefits, they must be Regular benefits (i.e., not Medical, Maternity or Paternity).

Prior to being accepted into the program individuals are invited to attend an orientation session where they are provided with an in-depth overview of the program, our history and what is required of them. Following the orientation session, interested individuals complete an application and attend a one-on-one interview with the Program Manager.

If you are eligible and interested in learning more about the program, fill out our form below!

Program Start Dates

• April 16, 2012
• July 16, 2012
• October 15, 2012
• 2013: To be Announced

How to Apply

The application process begins with an Orientation by the Program Manager held regularly at the Institute. To register for an Orientation, please complete the form below. You will then be contacted with the dates for upcoming Orientations.