AHC is proud to offer a wide range of entrepreneurship supports to newcomers in the Greater Edmonton area, including entrepreneurs and self-employed people. This program, and all the services offered through it, including the IMPACT project, are government funded, which means they come at no cost to participants and require a government-issued identification to participate in any of them.
Our Entrepreneurship Supports Program includes a two-level Business Development Training, as well as additional useful resources such as Guest speakers talks, access to a business mentor, business coach or business consulting experts. Plus, the chance to participate in business networking events and gain exposure through pop-up markets around the city. In addition to our help and dedication to help direct you to other business resources or funding/investors when necessary.
With these supports, AHC helps to provide entrepreneurs with skills and tools to feed their passion for business, maximize their talents and realize their business-related goals. Together, we are working to create the next generation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Our two-level Business Development Training is the feature component of our Entrepreneurship Supports Program. We offer an 8-week level 1 and an 8-week level 2 program to suit the needs of both experienced and beginner entrepreneurs.
This training component is comprehensive and reflects an inclusive and holistic business development approach. Our training model is what sets us apart from other offerings; it is a practical learning framework that is innovative and experiential. Importantly, it’s also based on adult learning principles.
The focus of the training will depend on the level being taken (l or ll).
Level l will cover all the basics, while level ll will go more in depth on subjects covered on level l and will be more focused on the implementation of the participant’s business idea.
During the duration of the full program, participants will complete a market research report, a feasibility plan, a marketing plan, and a business plan.
Participants will earn a Certification in Business Development.
| There are two sessions per year, one in spring and one in the fall. Spring sessions are offered to those with little to no previous business experience, while the Fall session is for those that completed the level l training and for participants with previous business knowledge.
The program is offered on a part-time basis, with classes taking place on Saturday mornings, usually from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information about the program, contact Lida Arguello. Email: lida.arguello@a4hc.ca | Direct: 587-338-0557 |
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We prioritize permanent residents and refugees, but we have a limited number of spots available for Canadian Citizens.
To apply to the program, complete and submit the registration form and one of our team members will contact you as soon as possible. You will need to provide two pieces of government-issued ID, i.e., Permanent Resident Card, Passport or Driver’s License. After filling out this form, you’ll automatically be enrolled in our entrepreneurship supports program.
Our team is ready to meet with you and help feed your passion for business.
Instructors and business advisors are enthusiastic, approachable and willing to answer all questions. Our supportive team includes:
Team contacts:
Abdoulaye Barry, Entrepreneurship Supports Program Lead
Email: abdoulaye.barry@a4hc.ca |Direct: 587.337.8441
Lida Arguello, Entrepreneurship Supports Program Facilitator
Email: lida.arguello@a4hc.ca | Direct: 587.338.0557
Guest speakers for our Entrepreneurship Supports Program are well-experienced business owners. Their commentaries and guidance help to support entrepreneurs by giving them more knowledge about specific industries, factors and trends that are relevant to business owners in Alberta and Canada.
Each speaker is ready to share insights about their own journeys and challenges in the business world, and some of the tips and secrets behind their successes. Topics addressed cover many areas, including management issues, legal matters and various aspects of business operations.
We match entrepreneurs with established Canadian business owners and experienced business-related professionals. All participants in the Entrepreneurship Support Program are eligible; mentoring sessions occur once a week, for up to 12 sessions.
We connect entrepreneurs with local consultants or advisors, such as sales experts, lawyers, accountants, and other industry experts.
We match entrepreneurs with local business experts, for individual meetings and advice.
We facilitate business-to-business (B2B) networking through our own AHC Business Clubs, Edmonton BizNet, local trade shows, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce events, and business-related or public events in Greater Edmonton.
Our team also connects entrepreneurs with:
We promote entrepreneurs via local pop-up markets. We assist them in exhibiting and selling their products. Pop-ups are somewhat like a mini-farmers’ market, where local residents come to know our start-ups and buy their products and services.
I.M.P.A.C.T is a project within the ESP program designed for newcomers who have a business idea with a cultural or tourism component to it.
Are you planning to sell a product or offer a service that is traditionally found in your home country? or maybe you have an idea to promote tourism in Alberta? I.M.P.A.C.T might be just right for you.
Participants receive ALL the benefit from the ESP program at AHC, in addition to specific training, coaching and product development for the cultural good or service AND they also get access to the Market Ready Program. This training is provided by AHC in conjunction with Communities United and The Public.
Listen to Jhon from Roots of Colombia’s experience on the Market Ready Program by following Clicking here.
Want to know more about I.M.P.A.C.T? Visit the I.M.P.A.C.T Project page.
Decided that you want to be part of I.M.P.A.C.T? Sign up now!
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