Be Future-Proof and Future-Ready
Learn How to Launch your Business Idea in 26 Weeks
Have you ever thought about starting your own business?
Or turning your hobby into a successful business?
Click the button below and explore the FREE and exclusive BWCA Self-Employment program.
Businesses Launched
Weeks To Complete
%
Successful Applicant Rate
Facebook Group Members
Great Value and Exciting Results
From the very first meeting, our Professional Business Coaches take you step-by-step through our Self-Employment Program to help you launch your dream business in 60 days.
Our program is designed to lead participants through a series of modules and specific training to get you the exact skills and tools you need to get your business up and running.
Business Works Central Alberta is pleased to welcome your inquiry, and look forward to helping you create, launch, and build your business.
I Want Real Business Training Right Now
Not Sure? Join Our Weekly Information Sessions
Examples of Business Types BWCA Has Helped Launch
Agribusiness Services
Market gardens, micro greens, natural promotional products, honey farms, carnivorous plants, and agri-tourism retreat centre.
Construction Services
Tiny homes, construction services, renovations and home repair, and cabinet installation.
Manufacturing & Sales
Artisan gluten-free products, billiards wholesale, RC and hobby sales, coffee, hemp products, and janitorial products.
Personal Services
Life and nutrition coaching, organization and downsizing services, aesthetics, holistic healing, wedding and event planning, and auto detailing.
Creative Services
Graphic design, photography, visual arts, literary services, interior design, custom jewelry, woodworking and handicrafts.
Business & IT Services
Engineering, customer retention, bookkeeping, IT services, HR consulting, diversity and inclusion, OH&S, and workplace wellness.
Feature BWCA Alumni Business Profile
Illuminated Glo Candle Co.
A female-owned home and lifestyle company based in Calgary, Alberta, Chayce manufactures products to balance your energies at home or on the go, while keeping an eco-conscious mindset. Illuminated Glo Candle Co. specializes in crystal-infused candles that are hand poured with 100% soy wax. Chayle uses clean burning, high quality premium ingredients that are safe for customers, pets, and the environment. Illuminated Glo products include trendy glassware, wax melts, and non-toxic diffusers. Illuminated Glo has sold over 2000 candles, which equates to $23,000 net profit. Chayce’s comprehension and commitment to the program has directly impacted the launch and scaling of her business.
Are You Eligible?
You Must Be:
Living in Alberta
Eligible to work in Canada
Knowledgeable and skilled to operate your business
Unemployed or underemployed (working 20 hours or less)
Excited to learn and implement the training from our program
You Must Have:
A viable idea for starting a new business or taking over an existing business where you have not had prior ownership
The capital or access to the capital needed to start and operate your business
The personal attributes to be a successful entrepreneur
Extensive product knowledge or services pertaining to your business
What Our Participants Say
Highlights
Now I have the confidence and the dreams to take my business to the next level.
This is a very valuable program…I have achieved things I would never imagine I could.
The BWCA Program is invaluable…I’m blown away by the progress I’ve made.
The program showed me things I didn’t know…It grew me into a much stronger and passionate business owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BWCA?
Business Works Central Alberta (BWCA) is a fully funded FREE 26-week self-employment training program designed to help unemployed or underemployed Albertans shift to self-employment.
What is the BWCA service area?
BWCA is available to all Alberta residents. With our specialized online training and virtual coaching, participants can access comprehensive support and guidance from anywhere in the province.
How much does the program cost?
The program is FREE for qualifying participants and is fully funded.
There is no cost to the participant for training or related coaching services.
When do new intakes begin?
New intakes are ongoing, please inquire about our next dates.
Can I be receiving EI and participate in this program
Yes, and any self-employment income you earn during the duration of the training does not impact your EI benefit amount!
I'm not receiving EI, could I still qualify?
Yes, we are able to take a limited number of participants that are not eligible for EI.
I work part-time, can I still take the program?
Yes, as long as you work 20 hours per week or less, on average, over a 12-week period.
What types of businesses have launched with the help of BWCA?
Here are some of the recent examples, to name a few:
Business & Professional Services
- Engineering Consulting
- Customer Service Retention Consultation
- OH & Safety
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Bookkeeping Services
- Virtual Assistance Services
- IT Software Services
- Marketing Services
- Workplace Wellness
- Mediation Services
- Optical Services
Creative Services
- Graphic Design
- Literary Agency
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Custom Jewelry
- Interior Design
Personal Services
- Aesthetics
- Nutrition and Wellness Coaching
- Life/Business Coaching
- Holistic Healing
- Wedding & Event Planning
- Bariatric Support Services
- Nutritionist
- Auto Detailing
Retail & Manufacturing
- Hobby RC
- Hemp Products
- Custom Woodworking
- Janitorial Products
- Beeswax Products
Agribusinesses
- Market Garden
- Beekeeping
- Microgreens
Construction Services
- Tiny Home Construction
- Home Repair & Renovation
- Cabinet Installation & Finishing
When does the training happen?
Participants are expected to put in at least 25 hours per week during the first 10 weeks of the program (training and research included) and 30 hours per week for the balance of the program as they prepare to launch their business.
During the first 10 weeks:
Online training sessions are usually scheduled from 10:30 am -12:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Going forward:
Coaching sessions are weekdays (once a week) between 8am and 4pm (1/2 hour to 1 hour duration each week).
Why choose BWCA?
BWCA is run by ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd. and is backed by 23 years helping hundreds of entrepreneurs develop and launch thriving businesses. Your passion, drive, and concept combined with our experienced business coaches will start you on the path to make your dreams a reality.
Open Registration
A new cohort of up to 14 participants from Central Alberta begin their self-employment journey approximately every 2 months.
Intakes are ongoing – reach out to us today to see if you qualify for this opportunity to launch your own business on a solid foundation.
A new intake begins regularly. Space is limited, so submit your inquiry form today.
Intake Information
Begin the application process by clicking the Begin Your Self-Employment Journey Here button below!
Next Steps:
Your application will be reviewed and an interview set up if your application meets the eligibility requirements.
Be Future-Proof and Future-Ready
Find out if you qualify today.
Interested but want more information? Or ready to see if you qualify?
Click the button below and fill out the Business Works Central Alberta Self-Employment program Interest Form.
A BWCA team member will be in contact with you shortly to learn more about your situation and business idea.
Be Future-Proof and Future-Ready
Learn How to Launch your Business Idea in 26 Weeks
Have you ever thought about starting your own business?
Or turning your hobby into a successful business?
Click the button below and explore the FREE and exclusive BWCA Self-Employment program.
Businesses Launched
Weeks To Complete
%
Successful Applicant Rate
Facebook Group Members
Great Value and Exciting Results
From the very first meeting, our Professional Business Coaches take you step-by-step through our Self-Employment Program to help you launch your dream business in 60 days.
Our program is designed to lead participants through a series of modules and specific training to get you the exact skills and tools you need to get your business up and running.
Business Works Central Alberta is pleased to welcome your inquiry, and look forward to helping you create, launch, and build your business.
I Want Real Business Training Right Now
Not Sure? Join Our Weekly Information Sessions
Join us for an information session and hear from our Professional Business Coaches and alumni about the program and their experiences! Get real-time details about this valuable program.
Examples of Business Types BWCA Has Helped Launch
Agribusiness Services
Market gardens, micro greens, natural promotional products, honey farms, carnivorous plants, and agri-tourism retreat centre.
Construction Services
Tiny homes, construction services, renovations and home repair, and cabinet installation.
Manufacturing & Sales
Artisan gluten-free products, billiards wholesale, RC and hobby sales, coffee, hemp products, and janitorial products.
Personal Services
Life and nutrition coaching, organization and downsizing services, aesthetics, holistic healing, wedding and event planning, and auto detailing.
Creative Services
Graphic design, photography, visual arts, literary services, interior design, custom jewelry, woodworking and handicrafts.
Business & IT Services
Engineering, customer retention, bookkeeping, IT services, HR consulting, diversity and inclusion, OH&S, and workplace wellness.
Feature BWCA Alumni Business Profile
Illuminated Glo Candle Co.
A female-owned home and lifestyle company based in Calgary, Alberta, Chayle manufactures products to balance your energies at home or on the go, while keeping an eco-conscious mindset. Illuminated Glo Candle Co. specializes in crystal-infused candles that are hand poured with 100% soy wax. Chayle uses clean burning, high quality premium ingredients that are safe for customers, pets, and the environment. Illuminated Glo products include trendy glassware, wax melts, and non-toxic diffusers. Illuminated Glo has sold over 2000 candles, which equates to $23,000 net profit. Chayle’s comprehension and commitment to the program has directly impacted the launch and scaling of her business.
Are You Eligible?
You Must Be:
Living in Alberta
Eligible to work in Canada
Knowledgeable and skilled to operate your business
Unemployed or underemployed (working 20 hours or less)
Excited to learn and implement the training from our program
You Must Have:
A viable idea for starting a new business or taking over an existing business where you have not had prior ownership
The capital or access to the capital needed to start and operate your business
The personal attributes to be a successful entrepreneur
Extensive product knowledge or services pertaining to your business
What Our Participants Say
Highlights
Now I have the confidence and the dreams to take my business to the next level.
This is a very valuable program…I have achieved things I would never imagine I could.
The BWCA Program is invaluable…I’m blown away by the progress I’ve made.
The program showed me things I didn’t know…It grew me into a much stronger and passionate business owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BWCA?
Business Works Central Alberta (BWCA) is a fully funded FREE 26-week self-employment training program designed to help unemployed or underemployed Albertans shift to sel-employment.
What is the BWCA service area?
BWCA is available to all Alberta residents. With our specialized online training and virtual coaching, participants can access comprehensive support and guidance from anywhere in the province.
How much does the program cost?
The program is FREE for qualifying participants and is fully funded.
There is no cost to the participant for training or related coaching services.
When do new intakes begin?
New intakes are ongoing, please inquire about our next dates.
Can I be receiving EI and participate in this program
Yes, and any self-employment income you earn during the duration of the training does not impact your EI benefit amount!
I'm not receiving EI, could I still qualify?
Yes, we are able to take a limited number of participants that are not eligible for EI.
I work part-time, can I still take the program?
Yes, as long as you work 20 hours per week or less, on average, over a 12-week period.
What types of businesses have launched with the help of BWCA?
Here are some of the recent examples, to name a few:
Business & Professional Services
- Engineering Consulting
- Customer Service Retention Consultation
- OH & Safety
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Bookkeeping Services
- Virtual Assistance Services
- IT Software Services
- Marketing Services
- Workplace Wellness
- Mediation Services
- Optical Services
Creative Services
- Graphic Design
- Literary Agency
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Custom Jewelry
- Interior Design
Personal Services
- Aesthetics
- Nutrition and Wellness Coaching
- Life/Business Coaching
- Holistic Healing
- Wedding & Event Planning
- Bariatric Support Services
- Nutritionist
- Auto Detailing
Retail & Manufacturing
- Hobby RC
- Hemp Products
- Custom Woodworking
- Janitorial Products
- Beeswax Products
Agribusinesses
- Market Garden
- Beekeeping
- Microgreens
Construction Services
- Tiny Home Construction
- Home Repair & Renovation
- Cabinet Installation & Finishing
When does the training happen?
Participants are expected to put in at least 25 hours per week during the first 10 weeks of the program (training and research included) and 30 hours per week for the balance of the program as they prepare to launch their business.
During the first 10 weeks:
Online training sessions are usually scheduled from 10:30 am -12:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Going forward:
Coaching sessions are weekdays (once a week) between 8am and 4pm (1/2 hour to 1 hour duration each week).
Why choose BWCA?
BWCA is run by ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd. and is backed by 23 years helping hundreds of entrepreneurs develop and launch thriving businesses. Your passion, drive, and concept combined with our experienced business coaches will start you on the path to make your dreams a reality.
Open Registration
A new cohort of up to 14 participants from Central Alberta begin their self-employment journey approximately every 2 months.
Intakes are ongoing – reach out to us today to see if you qualify for this opportunity to launch your own business on a solid foundation.
A new intake begins regularly. Space is limited, so submit your inquiry form today.
Intake Information
Begin the application process by clicking the Begin Your Self-Employment Journey Here button below!
Next Steps:
Your application will be reviewed and an interview set up if your application meets the eligibility requirements.
Be Future-Proof and Future-Ready
Find out if you qualify today.
Interested but want more information? Or ready to see if you qualify?
Click the button below and fill out the Business Works Central Alberta Self-Employment program Interest Form.
A BWCA team member will be in contact with you shortly to learn more about your situation and business idea.
FUNDED BY
The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.