Entrepreneur Training and Development
Podcast Business Information -Using Technology to Bring You More!
Community Futures is proud to offer short, business-oriented Podcasts for your download and enjoyment. The first Podcast - The Fours Ts of Marketing was launched April 21, 2008 and six subsequent Podcasts will be launched over the coming weeks.
To find out more and to subscirbe to our free Business Podcasts, visit www.podcastsforbusiness.ca. Just another way we serve our busy clients. Growing communities one idea at a time!
Small Business Training Series -
Community Futures offers a number of small busienss training seminars to assist with your business development. The training series is offered 2 to 4 times per year depending on demand. If you could like to take part in any of the courses listed below, please call us at (780) 814-5340 or drop by our location at: Viktoria Place #104, 9817 – 101 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X6
| COURSE | INSTRUCTOR | DATE | TIME | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Debbie Reid | TBA | 9:00am - 4:00pm | $95.00 |
| Time Management | Leah Holler | TBA | 6:30pm - 9:00pm | $30.00 |
| Design Techniques | Doug Wills | TBA | 9:00am - 4:00pm | $30.00 |
| Consultative Sales | Debbie Reid | TBA | 9:00am - 12:00pm | $75.00 |
| Manual Bookkeeping | Carolyn Longstreet | TBA | 6:30pm - 9:00pm |
$150.00 |
| Staffing | Jason Paterson | TBA | 9:00am - 12:00pm | $30.00 |
| Service Best | Margo Wythe | TBA | 9:00am – 4:00pm | $95.00 |
Self-Employment Program
Also known as, ‘The SE Program’ is a 26-week program designed to assist persons wishing to start a NEW business or to purchase an existing business. Any Albertan over 18 years may apply to participate in the program.
Benefits of the program:
- Business Training
- Business Counselling
- Networking with other new business owners
Financial benefits may consist of any of the following:
- Individuals that are collecting EI may be allowed to continue to collect EI for up to 26 weeks IF they are entitled to 26 weeks of EI benefits already
- Applicants with less than 26 weeks EI benefits remaining may be eligible for Financial Assistance under the Labour Market Program. The amount is based on actual need and must be applied for. The assistance is in the form of an income replacement grant in an amount equal to or greater than current EI benefits being paid to the applicant.
Eligibility for the SE Program
In order to be eligible for the SE Program you must:
- Be unemployed or underemployed, and legally entitled to work in Canada
- Be actively receiving Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits or have completed an E.I. claim within the previous three years or have completed a Maternity or Prenatal claim within the last five years and did not return to the work force; or be receiving Supports For Independence benefits
- 'Other Albertans' (non E.I. eligible) will also be considered
- Have a viable business idea
- Have sufficient cash or capital or access to cash or capital to start your business
- Devote a minimum of 30 hours per a week to implement and operate the business
- Have a minimum of 51% ownership in the proposed business
- The business CANNOT have commenced in any way prior to acceptance into the program
Special Instructions
Applicants must remain eligible for EI benefits throughout the application process. You must be able to prove that you are still unemployed, making an effort to find work and available to work. If at any point during the application process you find that you are working full-time on putting together your business proposal, you must declare that you were “unavailable for work” during that period. If you do this you will not get paid your EI benefits, but you will not be in violation of EI terms. You cannot start your business until approval of your SE Application has been granted in writing.
What is it?
The Self-Employment Component (SE) provides financial and business management assistance for people who want to start their own business. People who receive Employment Insurance (EI) (formerly known as UI) benefits normally lose those benefits when they start a business. If you are an EI claimant, or have received EI in the last 3 to 5 years the Self-Employment Assistance Component can provide you with your regular EI benefits or a basic allowance. The financial and management support can be provided for a set number of weeks while you develop and implement your business plan.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Self-Employment Assistance Component, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a qualified Employment Insurance Claimant
- Agree to work full-time on your business (30 hours per week)
- Start a new business or take over an existing business in which you had no prior ownership
- Attend an orientation session with the SMEDA SE Coordinator
- Agree to provide a business plan acceptable to SE Coordinator, showing potential for long term self employment
- Normally reside in an area where the Self Employment Component has been approved (check with your local Canada Employment Centre)
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Have no previous participation in a self employment activity funded by AECD or HRDC
- Make a personal investment in the business of $4000.00 in cash or other equity related to the operation of the business;