Ready or Not?
Do I have what it takes?
What pieces need to be in place?
Am I ready to launch now or down the road?
Do I qualify for the Self-employment Program?
Is ACTI right for me?
These are all good questions. You can start to find some of the answers by reviewing the Program Eligibility and taking the Program Readiness Quiz.
All eligible Albertans can apply, though we are required to prioritize applicants who currently receive
EI benefits or have received EI benefits within the past five years.
The following Government of Alberta eligibility criteria must be met before you can join the Self-employment Program:
Be unemployed (not working or working occasionally), or have started or been running an Alberta-based business for less than six months. If employed, 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 proposed business to 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 you are receiving EI benefits, they must be regular benefits (i.e., not medical, maternity or paternity).
Have the applicable skills and knowledge pertaining to the specific products and services of the business you'll be starting.
Have a viable business concept for starting a new business, taking over an existing business where you did not have prior ownership, or are operating a business which was fully launched in the past six months.
Have the personal attributes to be a successful entrepreneur (self‐motivation, persistence, willing to leave your comfort zone, organization skills, communication skills, etc.).