LEARN TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER.
Build your business with the help of experienced entrepreneurs.
WELCOME TO ACTI SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS TRAINING
The Self-Employment Program uses seasoned entrepreneur trainers to help Albertans make the transition from employment to business ownership. Through a combination of group training sessions and personal coaching over a 26-week period this program gives students both the technical skills and the confidence to greatly improve their likelihood of success as they venture into the world of self-employment. This program is presented by entrepreneurs in partnership with and fully funded by the Government of Alberta with support from the Government of Canada. There is no cost to those who attend the program.
“The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.”
program start dates:
November 18, 2024
(waiting list available)
January 27, 2025
(14 seats available)
April 7, 2025
(12 seats available)
June 9, 2025
(12 seats available)
August 11, 2025
(12 seats available)
October 13, 2025
(12 seats available)
YOU GET 10 weeks of group instruction and 16 weeks of Business mentorship
Most people start out as employees, and many will stay that way for their whole working life. But some find that they’re building someone else’s dream while they have dreams of their own. Or they learn that the loyalty they gave is not returned when they get laid off.
Without warning, people can find themselves unemployed in a job market where they’re competing not just with people in town but with people around the globe. Meanwhile, employers are trying to save every penny through cutbacks, outsourcing and automation just to stay competitive.
While some people try to find the “illusion of security” in another job, some decide it’s time to stop relying on an employer and learn how to start a business to create their own security.
But then they hear the gloomy stats about how most new start-ups fail costing the business owner time, savings and self-confidence.
There are many reasons why a new business fails but it often comes down to a lack of business training and coaching. People might think, “I’m a good graphic designer (carpenter, mechanic, bookkeeper, etc.) so I’ll start freelancing and if any business questions come up, I’ll just Google the answer! Or I’ll go buy a book on entrepreneurship.”
Google is great IF you know the right question to ask, IF you ask the question before making a costly mistake, and IF you know which of the seventeen answers to trust!
The odds of business success improve dramatically with the help of business training and personalized coaching from credible entrepreneurs.
But most start-up owners are tight on cash and can’t invest in costly management consultants. And most are eager to get started now and can’t invest the time in a lengthy diploma program.
That’s where Anderson Career Training Institute (ACTI) comes in …
Why ACTI?
As the longest running Self Employment training program in Edmonton, ACTI has provided this government-funded business training to more than 1800 Albertans over a 27-year period helping them achieve their goal of starting and running their own business.
A major reason for the success of this program is the training team of over 18 entrepreneurs and business specialists. This ensures that the 10 weeks of group training sessions are practical, relevant, and thorough.
Another reason is the 16-week mentoring phase where you receive personal coaching from an experienced entrepreneur as you take those crucial first steps in your business.
There is no cost to those who attend the program, and you might be eligible for other financial support while in the program to help with your living costs.
AWESOME PORTFOLIO LAYOUTS
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RETINA READY
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USER FRIENDLY
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GOOGLE FONT COLLECTION
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INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS
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UNLIMITED OPTIONS
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GOVERNMENT-funded Self-Employment Program
This program is for people who are unemployed, have never owned a business before, and are committed to starting their own business right now. There is NO COST for you to attend this program.
The program features 10 weeks of group training followed by 16 weeks of coaching and support as you get your business up and running.
The group training is taught by experienced entrepreneurs and guest speakers who are experts in small business operations. The topics covered give you a solid foundation of knowledge to start your business. The training is conducted in-person for those living in the Edmonton area and is available online for those living elsewhere in Alberta.
During the coaching phase, you begin setting up and operating your business and serving customers with the guidance of an experienced mentor.
This is the entrepreneur boot camp! The content is practical. The pace is serious. The guidance is tailored to you. The trainers have been “in the trenches” and they know what works in the real world. Although a lot of material is covered, smaller class sizes mean you get individualized attention and time to get your questions answered.
If there’s a part of you thinking “maybe I could do this – maybe it’s my time,” get the information BEFORE you make a decision. See if this program could impact your life like it has for over 1800 others before you. Use the form below to contact us for more information now.
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Program Eligibility
You must meet the following eligibility criteria set out by the Government of Alberta before you can join the Self Employment training program.
Be unemployed (not working or working only sporadically) - If you are employed now, DO NOT quit your job before talking to us
Reside in Alberta and be legally eligible to work in Canada (Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, etc.)
Be 18 years of age or older
Will own 51% or more of the business, which will be located in Alberta
NOT be receiving business training from a franchise company
Have the capital or access to capital needed to start and operate the business
If receiving EI benefits, they must be Regular benefits (i.e., not Medical, Maternity or Paternity)
Have the skills & knowledge pertaining to the specific products & services of the business you'll be starting
Have a viable business concept for starting a new business or taking over an existing business where you did not have prior ownership
Have the personal attributes to be a successful entrepreneur (self‐motivated, persistent, willing to leave the comfort zone, organization skills, communication skills, etc.)
REQUEST AN INFORMATION CALL OR ASK
A QUESTION ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Please fill out the form below. Alternatively, you can also send us an email at info@acti.org
View us on the Alberta Government directory of programs at
(Scroll down and select Edmonton when at the Government site )