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Program

Self Employment Build the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

Next session: Mon Jun 10, 2024

Momentum’s Self Employment Program supports unemployed or underemployed individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

A woman in a green apron passes a tray of food over a store counter to a customer.

Ready to start your own business?

Momentum’s Self Employment Program supports unemployed or underemployed individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

Participants will develop their unique ideas, skills and expertise into a comprehensive business model, while working alongside a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs in a supportive learning environment. Participants will receive both classroom instruction and individual business coaching.

The Self Employment Program includes classroom instruction, individual business coaching, and supports participants with the opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise to become self employed

Once program outcomes are completed, graduates may apply for up to $10,000 in Momentum’s Micro Business Loans.

Those unable to commit to this full-time program are welcome to apply for our Part-Time Self Employment Program.

Our next Self Employment Program intake cycle will begin early 2024.

Frequently asked questions

I receive Alberta Income Support or Employment Insurance. Can I still participate?

I'm unable to commit to a full-time program. Is there another way I can participate?

What you will learn

Understand licensing, permits and registration

Research your industry, competitors, and customers

Develop and test a comprehensive business model, including a marketing plan

Build a financial model for revenue (sales) and cash flow forecasts

Understand insurance, taxation and other operational topics

Start, manage and operate your business

Develop marketing and sales skills

Is this program right for you?

Do you qualify?

  • You are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

  • You are unemployed, have an existing EI claim, or are working less than 20 hours a week

  • You are living on a low income or seeking financial independence

  • You are coachable, committed, and willing to hold themselves accountable

  • You live in Calgary and area (or if you are Indigenous, Inuit or Metis living in surrounding Treaty 7 territory)

Next available sessions

Next session: Mon Jun 10, 2024

Financial Support

  • Alberta Government logo on a transparent background
  • Government of Canada logo on a transparent background

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.

Contact our Welcome Team

Our knowledgeable Welcome Team is happy to support you. Please contact us by clicking our Contact Form below, or by walk-in or phone. Form inquiries will receive a response within 3 business days.

Contact Us

Self Employment Build the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

Momentum’s Self Employment Program supports unemployed or underemployed individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

Scheduled

Full time

Daytime

All, Indigenous, Lower income, Program graduates, Women

Free

In person

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