An article on this site titled 15 Low-Cost Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs: Turning Passion into Profit offers some good ideas if you want to work for yourself. After you’ve been looking for a job for a while, it can be frustrating. The jobs you want, aren’t available, and the low-ball offers you could consider, don’t pay enough to make it worth your time to even apply. However, sad as it is, we have to do something, right?
I know what it’s like! I’ve been through it. Furthermore, I made a life-changing decision to work for myself. It was the scariest, but best thing I’ve ever done. My story starts in Calgary, but I live in Edmonton now, so this is what I’ll focus on.
If you’re thinking of choosing one of the ideas mentioned in my article (link above) or something else, the first place to start might be to see what the provincial government is offering. A quote from this page says:
“Self-employment training is provided at no cost to eligible Albertans. Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants who require funding to support their living costs while in training, depending on your circumstances.”
They also published a pdf file BUILDING ON OUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT that’s worth having a look at.
Many years ago, participating in a program similar to this, was a real eye-opener. With no real experience running a business, maybe my approach was wrong. I was already earning enough money from my business to support myself, but I had no idea what I was getting into. The course offered by the government at that time covered things like taxes, accounting, registering a business, record keeping, copyrights, patents, marketing, joint-ventures, government resources and more.
Business Networking is one of the key steps to running your own business. Whether you’re looking for people that might be able to mentor you, help you, employ you, joint-venture with you — you need to network. In Edmonton, you’re lucky to have a coffee club. It’s for business networking. They say, “Grab your favourite coffee mug and join us for a morning of engaging conversations, laughter, and a welcoming environment.
“Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to the Edmonton community, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and share your projects and ideas. Stay for the whole morning, or pop in for a few minutes just to say hi – either way, we’d love to see you there!
“Thanks to Alberta Innovates, through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network, for fuelling our Community Coffee events!”
Taproot puts out a community newsletter, THE PULSE, that gives you all the local information about what’s going on around the city. Part of being an entrepreneur, is identifying a need and filling it. So keeping up with what’s happening in the community and reading about the latest trends can help you develop and build towards future goals. You can subscribe to it by email and have the new issues sent to your inbox. As well, I would subscribe to Taproot Edmonton as all the information they offer can be of value to your new business.
There are many resources for people who want to be entrepreneurs in Edmonton, Alberta, including:
- Community Futures Network of Alberta: Provides support, guidance, and loans for small businesses and startups
- Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE): Offers programs for women entrepreneurs, including capital, skill development, and connections
- Canada Small Business Financing Program: A loan-sharing program between the federal government and financial institutions that helps small and medium-sized businesses access affordable financing
- Local business organizations and chambers of commerce: Often host events, workshops, and networking sessions
Business Link is a government supported organization that advises new and prospective entrepreneurs; providing mentorship, business advice and market research from professionals to help you realize your vision. You can access free business support:
Get the expert support you need to navigate the process of starting and running a business.
- Receive free one-on-one business advice
- Participate in free webinars, events & interactive workshops
- Find informative resources, guidebooks, & videos
- Access in-depth market research
The City of Edmonton has business friendly-support.
One-on-One
We provide one point of contact for the City permits and licences. Common questions include:
- Location support
- Business licences
- Zoning and business class use
- Development permits
- Building permits
- Home-based business regulations
- Business support grants
Two other articles on this site relate to business networking. As well, this article will be posted to my forum, if you’d like to comment or add other resources to this list.