woman holding a phone and man looking at the phone. both are smiling

Start Your Business
with ACTI in Edmonton

Start Your Business
with ACTI in Edmonton

In-person or online training. Practical support.
A proven path from idea to launch.

In-person or online training.
Practical support.
A proven path from idea to launch.

ACTI’s Edmonton Self-employment Program gives eligible participants the training, mentorship and practical support needed to develop and launch a viable business.
Participants can take part in person at ACTI’s Edmonton location or through live online learning from home. Both options provide access to experienced instructors, business specialists, mentors, and a supportive group of people who are also working toward self-employment.
The program is not simply about learning how to write a business plan. You will work on your business in real time while developing the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to move toward full-time self-employment.
Program delivery: In person or live online
Program length: 26 weeks
Training schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the 10-week training phase
Program cost: Fully funded for eligible participants

Ready to Explore Self-employment?

Your first step is to attend an ACTI information session. You will learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, the application process and what to expect.

Register for an Information Session

Take the Program Readiness Quiz

Register for an Information Session

Take the Program Readiness Quiz

How the Edmonton Program Works

10 Weeks of Instructor-led Training

The first 10 weeks provide structured business training led by experienced entrepreneurs and business specialists.


Topics include:


  • Business planning and goal setting

  • Market research and forecasting

  • Marketing, advertising and promotion

  • Sales and customer development

  • Accounting, banking and taxes

  • Licensing, insurance and business operations


You will apply what you learn directly to your own business idea.

The first 10 weeks provide structured business training led by experienced entrepreneurs and business specialists.

Topics include:

  • Business planning and goal setting

  • Market research and forecasting

  • Marketing, advertising and promotion

  • Sales and customer development

  • Accounting, banking and taxes

  • Licensing, insurance and business operations

You will apply what you learn directly to your own business idea.

16 Weeks of Guided Business Development

After the training phase, you will continue building and launching your business with:


  • Weekly small-group mentorship

  • Personalized coaching and support

  • Practical guidance as you begin operating

  • Accountability, and help overcoming early-stage challenges

After the training phase, you will continue building and launching your business with:

  • Weekly small-group mentorship

  • Personalized coaching and support

  • Practical guidance as you begin operating

  • Accountability, and help overcoming early-stage challenges

Who Is the Edmonton Program For?

The Edmonton program supports people from a wide variety of professional, skilled-trade, service, creative, and entrepreneurial backgrounds.


It may be right for you if you:


  • Have a viable business idea

  • Are unemployed, underemployed, or in the early stages of an Alberta business

  • Have relevant skills, experience, or industry knowledge

  • Are prepared to commit to full-time training and self-employment

  • Want practical guidance while building your business


Eligibility is determined through ACTI’s application, interview, and business-viability assessment process.

The Edmonton program supports people from a wide variety of professional, skilled-trade, service, creative, and entrepreneurial backgrounds.

It may be right for you if you:

  • Have a viable business idea

  • Are unemployed, underemployed, or in the early stages of an Alberta business

  • Have relevant skills, experience, or industry knowledge

  • Are prepared to commit to full-time training and self-employment

  • Want practical guidance while building your business

Eligibility is determined through ACTI’s application, interview, and business-viability assessment process.

Upcoming Edmonton Start Dates

Upcoming Edmonton
Start Dates

Begin developing your business before the end of the year.

Start the new year by taking your business idea from planning to action.