“Life’s greatest risk is depending on others for your security.” – Denis Waitley

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 to Chapters and get a book on entrepreneur training.” 

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 …

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 online group training followed by 16 weeks of online 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.  

During the coaching phase, you can begin setting up and operating your business and serving customers with the guidance of an experienced mentor (subject to public health restrictions in effect at that time).

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 1400 others before you. Click on the button on this page and receive a free orientation session (currently conducted by phone or video call).

You must meet the following eligibility criteria set out by the Government of Alberta before you can join the Self Employment training program. You must:  

- Be unemployed (not working or working only sporadically)

- Be eligible to work in Canada 

- Be 18 years of age or older 

- Have a viable business concept for starting a new business or taking  over an existing business where you did not have prior ownership 

- Own at least 51% of the business, which will be located in Alberta 

- Have the capital or access to capital needed to start and operate the business 

- Have the personal attributes to be a successful entrepreneur (self‐motivated, persistent, willing to leave the comfort zone, organization skills, communication skills, etc.) 

- Have the skills & knowledge pertaining to the specific products & services of the business you'll be starting 

- NOT be receiving business training from a franchise company 

- If receiving EI benefits, they must be Regular benefits (i.e., not Medical, Maternity or Paternity).  

Get answers to all your questions about eligibility at a program Orientation Session.

If you decide to apply, the entire process will be completed online. Documents will be submitted by email and paper mail. During the Covid-19 pandemic there is no in-person service at ACTI. There is no need to go to government offices for forms or interviews.