Spotlight Staff
Albertans looking to take new products, services or ideas to market can work with experts and mentors to create business plans, connect with investors and learn best practices as part of the Alberta government’s Self-Employment training program.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our government is committed to helping them grow and thrive,” says Labour Minister Christina Grey.
“This is a valued program that’s equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence they need to achieve their dreams.”
The Self-Employment program is up to 26 weeks in length and provides formal instruction on all aspects of business operation including business plan development, business counseling, coaching and guidance.
At the end of the program, participants are expected to be operating their business on a full-time basis.
“Entrepreneurs put a lot on the line to start their own business, and collectively they play an important role in strengthening and diversifying our economy,” Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous says.
“We want to be there for them from the drawing board and throughout their start-up experience.”
The Alberta government has partnered with Anderson Career Training Institute and Micro-business Training Centre to expand capacity in the Edmonton-area to support more Albertans.
Similar programs are also available in Calgary, Lethbridge and other parts of the province.
About $1.9 million is allocated to Self-Employment training for 2016-17 in partnership with the Government of Canada.
The Self-Employment training program is one of several programs under the Alberta government’s Training for Work initiative.
More information about Self-Employment training and other Training for Work programs is available at work.alberta.ca/trainingforwork.