Self employment program facts

Fact Sheet
Starting your own business is an exciting and sometimes daunting experience. From finding capital sources to promoting your business, you face a myriad of tough decisions every day. To help you make the right choices, you want solid advice from someone who knows small business.

That’s where Meyers Norris Penny can help. Funded by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, MNP’s Self-Employment Program is designed for unemployed individuals wanting to start a business for the first time.

Completing the program will provide you with the tools to help your business succeed, including targeted management training, business plan assistance, and access to MNP’s experienced advisors.

With a success rate of more than 95 per cent *, the SE Program has a proven track record helping aspiring entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.

*Based on average number of SE program participants in business after one year, 2004-2007.

Here for you every step of the way
Ongoing advice and support is crucial to anyone starting a business. The SE Program helps ensure you have all the resources you need during your critical first year:

Small business management training
At the beginning of the program, you will receive eight weeks of in-class training covering 25 key areas. These include:

  • Business Planning
  • Sales Strategies
  • Stress/Time Management
  • Marketing Your Business
  • Financing
  • Legal Matters
  • Business Communications
  • Business on the Internet
  • Telecom & Networks
  • Strategic Planning
  • Bookkeeping
  • Market Research
  • Customer Service
  • Selling Skills
  • Human Resources
  • Cash Flow
  • Negotiating Skills
  • Taxation
  • Myers Briggs
  • Business Insurance
  • Networking
  • Privacy Matters
  • Credit and Collections

One-on-One Business Plan Assistance
In addition to intensive training, you will develop a draft business plan that will be reviewed by a Self Employment Program Business Advisor. Your advisor will meet with you one-on-one to provide helpful feedback and answer any questions you may have.

Access to MNP’s Experienced Team
Whether you are still in the planning stages or have already launched your business, you may need a sounding board during your critical start-up period. MNP’s team of in-house advisors has a wealth of expertise in tax, corporate finance, management consulting and other specialties.

Ongoing Networking Opportunities
Learning from other small business owners can be a key factor in your success. MNP hosts a wide range of valuable networking events throughout the year.

How to apply
To apply for the SE Program, you must:

  • Meet the qualification criteria;
  • Want to start your own business;
  • Have a viable business idea;
  • Be an unemployed/underemployed resident of Alberta; and
  • Attend a brief orientation.

SE program participants may be eligible to receive financial support during the first six months of the program.

For more information and to find out if you qualify for the Self-Employment Program, call Lindsay Tucker, Program Administrator – Entrepreneurial Business Services, at 403.537.7662 or 1.877.500.0792.

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