Self Employment
Program Outline
The Self Employment Program is a 26 week full time* business training and coaching program for unemployed Albertans with a viable business idea. This program will give participants the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own business. The program will include classroom instruction, coaching, peer support, computer and business services access, as well as links with financial resources and networking opportunities.
Participants that will be accepted into the program will come with a business idea, the commitment to become an entrepreneur, and their life experience. They will be ready, willing and able to become an entrepreneur.
Topics covered will include:
- Market Research
- Sales & Marketing
- Licensing, Permits & Registration
- Insurance, Taxation & Legal Issues
- Finance Management
How It Works*
Weeks 1-4 Market Research - Class Room Time Monday - Friday
Weeks 5-10 Business Plan Preparation/Business Launch - Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings
Weeks 11-26 Business Start Up and Operations - 3 hours of classroom time per week and one hour one-on-one business coaching
- There are assignments due throughout the program.
- Participants must agree to have an additional 6 months of follow up at the end of the formal program.
- Qualifies you to apply for a Momentum business loan program*
Benefits to You
You will learn:
- If your business idea will make money.
- How to find your customers.
- How to keep track of the dollars.
- How to get the sale
Who Can Apply?
Clients Must:
- Have a viable business idea
- Be an unemployed low income Albertan (working less than 20 hours per week)
- Have employment barriers that may include, but not limited to: low income, language, education and cultural barriers
- Have sufficient cash or capital, or access* to capital to start and operate their business (may apply for Microloan)
- Need entrepreneurial/business plan training in order to start their business
- Meet citizen requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Alberta resident for at least 3 months
Program Dates
Interviews start: July 2, 2008
Application Deadlines: October 1, 2008
Program Start Date: October 6, 2008
Program Completion Date: April 10, 2009
Program Follow Up Completion: September 25, 2009
How to Apply?
- Attend an Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshop - 2 hours
- Must attend Self Employment Orientation Session - 1 hour
- Preference given to applicants on active Employment Insurance (EI) claim and regular benefit entitlement or have ended their EI claim for benefits with the last 36 months or Maternity/Paternity benefits in last 60 months.
- Complete an application form
- There is a formal interview and assessment process
Contact Brian Hill at 403-204-2669
or email selfemployment@momentum.org for further information.
Financial Partners
This program is funded by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.