Momentum
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Program

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

Next session: Tue Jun 10, 2025

Momentum’s full-time Self Employment Program supports current or previous Employment Insurance recipients with the skills and knowledge needed to start a small business.

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Ready to start your own business?

Momentum’s full-time Self Employment Program supports current or previous (5 years) Employment Insurance recipients 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 10 weeks of facilitation, followed by 10 weeks of implementation, 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.

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 have received EI within the past 5 years

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

  • You are coachable, committed, and willing to hold yourself 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: Tue Jun 10, 2025

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 below or by calling 403-272-9323. Inquiries and messages will receive a response within 3 business days.

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

Momentum’s full-time Self Employment Program supports current or previous Employment Insurance recipients 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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